planet maine vol. 32: green crab week; a new tick-borne illness

MAINE PUBLIC • July 1, 2026

The Green Crab Derby is a new event this year that’s part of the annual National Green Crab Week meant to raise awareness about the invasive, unregulated crab species. Green crabs first arrived on ships bound for the U.S. from Europe and North Africa. They’ve been present in New England waters for decades but climate change and warming waters have fueled a population explosion. Participants were given a 5-gallon bucket and a directive: collect as many green crabs as you can in an hour. Prizes would be given out to those who collected the biggest crab, the most crabs, and the most softshell. The participants won’t have to kill the crabs themselves; Wolfe’s Neck Farm & Campground in Freeport will add them to their compost.