4.10 Honors Invasive Species

(Sample Activity)Storyboard for a Commercial

“We will return to our regularly scheduled program after a few short

messages…”

“Our Bay is under attack!”

“Not by ships, jets, or even aliens, but by a 3.5 inch Crustacean known as the European Green Crab.”

“Native to the north-east Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea, the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) has moved into habitats in South

Africa, Australia, Japan, and both coasts of North America. This little crab hitchhiked to the Untied States in the 1800’s. Most likely

through ballast water, packing material or live bait.

“This little green crab has already been charged with the destruction of the soft-shell clam fisheries on the East Coast,

and in the reduction of other bivalve populations such as mollusks.”

Grrrr!

• “Other victims of the European Green Crabs’ veracious appetite include:

• Oysters• Dungeness Crab• Young fish”

“If left unchecked, this crab can have disastrous impacts on commercial and recreational fisheries!”

Your seafood is mine for the taking!

How can this crab be

stopped?

“Ballast water is thought to be the main transporter of the European Green Crab, and regulations have been put into place to prevent this species from hitchhiking in water tanks.”

“State and Federal Programs such as the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force work to research and develop ways to manage invasive species.”

What can we do to help?

“I am so glad you asked!”

• “Drain water from boats and equipment in the same area you got it from.

• Clean boats, nets, and other fishing equipment before entering a new body of water.

• Never dispose of unwanted material in the water.

• If you think you have seen one of these crabs, call your local fish and wildlife representative at (555) 555-5555.”

“Together, we can stop this menace”!

“We now return you to our regularly scheduled program.”

Bibliography• Invasive.org: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. (2009, November 27). I am a fisherman/boater why should I care about invasive species?. Retrieved from http://www.invasive.org/101/FishermanBoater.html

• Must have at least 6 references. The 3 supplied in module 4.10 as well as 3 the student has found.