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7/14/2025
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Legislation creating license to harvest invasive green crabs is signed into law
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STATE HOUSE — Legislation introduced by Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty to create a license for the harvesting of green crabs has been signed into law.
The European green crab is an invasive species in Rhode Island’s coastal waters. Like many invasive species, the green crab poses a threat to the ecosystem and is particularly harmful for shellfish and eelgrass habitats, which serve as nurseries for native marine species.
The law (2025-S 0938A, 2025-H 6157A) authorizes the Department of Environmental Management to offer commercial licenses for the taking of green crabs subject to a fee of $10.
“Not only are green crabs an invasive species, they are also a high-protein food source,” said Senator Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown), who chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture. “Under current state law, they can only be caught with a $200 non-lobster crustacean endorsement add-on to the DEM marine license. A $10 license exclusively for green crabs would greatly increase access to the harvesting of a species that is endangering native sea life, including quahogs and blue crabs.”
“The crabs that have invaded Rhode Island waters are eating a lot of the lobster larvae and the eel grass that we rely on for coastal protection and marine life habitats,” said Representative Fogarty (D-Dist. 35, South Kingstown). “Since this is an edible species that is getting more popular in culinary circles, this legislation is a win-win for the state. People will be able to catch them for a nominal license fee, and it will help to control an environmentally dangerous invasive species.”
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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