Green Crab Removal Program in Basin Head, Marine Protected Area (MPA)

INTRODUCTION Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) requires a Contractor to support field research and undertake a removal program for European green crab, an aquatic invasive species in the Basin Head Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Prince Edward Island (PE) that affects the ecological integrity of the MPA. BACKGROUND DFO undertakes field research and monitoring (past and present) for the Basin Head MPA as part of the management of the MPA. The data collected from field research supports the Basin Head Operational Management Plan objectives for the MPA by providing information on the status of the MPA and its main conservation objectives. Green crab research has been initiated by DFO in the past (Sharp et al., 2003:46-52, unpublished 2009-2010, 2011-2012). A pilot project was conducted in October and November 2016 which yielded important preliminary data; therefore, a long term green crab removal program must be initiated to meet the conservation priorities to conserve and protect the MPA and its ecologically significant species. CONTRACT PERIOD The contract period is from date of award to January 31, 2018 inclusive, with an option to extend the term of the Contract by up to three (3) additional one (1) year periods. OBJECTIVES The main objectives of this Contract are to ensure that the removal of the invasive species align with the Green Crab Research Proposal and the Basin Head MPA Operational Management Plan. The aim of this project is to reduce the number of crabs and size of crabs – controlling the population; thus, reducing the prey interaction on the blue mussels which are important substrate for Irish moss stability.