USING LOCAL AND SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES TO UNDERSTAND FACTORS AFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION OF INVASIVE GREEN CRAB (CARCINUS MAENAS L.)

Abstract

Environmental management is becoming more informed through the use of less conventional knowledge sources to understand environmental systems. Following this realization, our study accesses both local and scientific knowledge to improve understanding of which environmental factors drive local-scale distribution of an invasive species, the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas L.). It also attempts to understand how C. maenas behaviour might differ in the South Shore area of Nova Scotia, Canada. We synthesized scientific knowledge through an extensive literature review, while interviewing local South Shore fishermen who have experience with C. maenas. While several environmental factors are delineated, our research also notes internal (i.e. age, sex, moult phase) and temporal (i.e. seasonal, tidal, diel) variables that affect local distribution patterns. Local knowledge of this species is still developing, however it may play a significant role in understanding the local distributions and movements of this species, especially as knowledge develops.