ROCKPORT, Maine (AP) - Maine Gov. Paul LePage has signed an executive order to create a task force that will study the impacts of the invasive green crab in Maine.
The Republican governor announced the new task force at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum in Rockport on Friday.
LePage says the growth of the European crab in Maine over the last couple of years is threatening shellfish like the blue mussel and soft-shelled clam. He says the species is endangering “a vital segment of Maine’s fishing economy” and “Maine’s most famous dishes, including steamed clams and the fried clam dinner.”
The 12-person task force will include representatives from the Department of Marine Resources and shellfish industry officials. It will make recommendations for controlling the growth of the species in Maine.
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