My summer research project involved determining European green crab (C. maenas) predation rates in response to variable oyster (C. virginica) sizes and population densities. Green crabs are an aggressive, invasive species that cause several detrimental ecological effects. They threaten the sustainability of many shellfish species, including oysters, which serve as traditional harvesting industries on Prince Edward Island. During the summer, I participated in a survey of green crab in both North River and Bedeque Bay. I also used field and laboratory experiments to manipulate oyster populations in both numbers and size in order to study how crab feeding rates are potentially modified.

The main objective of my research was to study the functional responses that drive the outcome of the predator-prey interactions between the green crab and oysters, specifically the predator's ability to modify its feeding rate in response to prey availability.

The existence of distinctive functional responses may help to explain and predict the impact of these predators on numerous oyster beds, and may, therefore, have great implications for shellfish management. I monitored the numbers of prey consumed and any behaviours exhibited by the green crab. Knowledge on the size at which crab predation declines most substantially is essential in order to implement the most effective mitigation measures and minimize the effects of this predator on the oyster harvesting industry on PEI.

When conducting the green crab survey we sometimes set the traps from shore, but I really enjoyed it when we took the boat into the North River to set the traps. It was nice to be out on the water enjoying the summer. It was also interesting coming across animals other than green crab, like eels and seals!