Bayer Discourages Use of Green Crabs as Lobster Bait in BDN Article

Bob Bayer, executive director of the Lobster Institute at the University of Maine, spoke with the Bangor Daily News for the article, “Study: Green crabs pose parasite threat as lobster bait.” There has been heightened interest in recent years for finding a commercial application for invasive green crabs, and using the crabs as lobster bait has been considered, according to the article. However, a new study by a pair of Canadian scientists determined a parasite has been found in lobsters baited with the crabs. Bayer said he recommends lobstermen do not use green crabs as bait, at least until further studies can be conducted. “These are credible people,” he said of the scientists who conducted the study. “Don’t do it.” Bayer also said the cold weather this winter could have drastically reduced the green crab population.