Commercial fishery in southwest N.B. could help control invasive species

The federal government has announced a commercial fishery pilot as part of an effort to limit the spread of an invasive aquatic species.

European Green Crab cause problems in southwest New Brunswick, negatively affecting native species and habitats.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada collaborates with harvesters, Indigenous communities and other partners to detect, monitor and limit the spread and damage of the crabs.

As part of that collaboration, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson announced Monday the launch of a one-year commercial fishery pilot in southwest New Brunswick to support the control of the crab.

The fishery is anticipated to open in the spring.

“European Green Crab is a serious threat to local ecosystems and the shellfish fisheries that so many people rely on in southwest New Brunswick,” Thompson said in a press release. “By opening this commercial fishery pilot, we are taking a practical step to reduce its presence and impact, while creating new economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and local harvesters.

Thompson said the fishery should also be good news for lobster harvesters, who will have access to an additional source of bait from harvested crabs.