Day: September 17, 2025

Invasive European green crabs are a global marine problem, introduced from Europe in the 1800s, and are now widespread in North America and other parts of the world, including New England and the West Coast. They outcompete native species for food and habitat, consume bivalves, and destroy crucial eelgrass beds, threatening commercial fisheries, ecosystems, and local culture. Green crabs can be identified by their five teeth on the front edge of their shell and are highly tolerant of diverse ocean temperatures and habitats, allowing for their rapid spread.  

Characteristics of Green Crabs

• Appearance: They have five teeth along the front ridge of their shell and are not always green; their color can vary. 
• Habitat & Diet: They are voracious predators of clams, scallops, and native crabs, and also uproot eelgrass, which is vital for other marine life. 
• Resilience: They are highly tolerant of varied ocean temperatures and have a long larval stage, which helps them conquer and establish in new environments. 

Impact of Green Crabs

• Ecological Disruption: They reduce biodiversity, outcompete native species, and alter marine habitats. 
• Economic Damage: They cause collapse in commercial shellfish industries, such as soft-shell clam and oyster harvesting. 
• Threat to Culture: They threaten the livelihoods and cultural resources of coastal communities, including Tribal nations. 

Identifying and Reporting a Green Crab

• Look for the Five Teeth: A key identifier is the five spikes or teeth along the front edge of their carapace. 
• Report Sightings: If you find one, especially in areas where they are not established, report it immediately. You can do this by contacting the Washington Invasive Species Council, Alaska Fish and Game, or other local authorities. 

Splattered Clouds…

Location: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester
Exhibition Dates: through October 13, 2025
Artists Panel Discussion: September 28, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday, Noon – 5 PM

Eight artists focused on the health of the ocean and our relationship to it make up the multimedia exhibition, Navigating Art & Science, now showing at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck through October 13.

Incoming Ocean, a site-specific video installation by Georgie Friedman, splashes across the interior architecture of the Cultural Center. The waves, filmed at nearby Halibut Point State Park, break over walls and doors, advancing toward one’s feet while also washing across a school of 50 life-sized Ghost Cod, hand-carved by Jessica Straus. Meanwhile a soundscape of whale songs and ocean sounds, Sky Fathoms Water by Perri Lynch Howard, arrives softly, builds momentum, and ebbs quietly. The visitor is fully immersed in sight and sound. 

Beauty is a key ingredient in artist Resa Blatman’s toolbox; her drawings and paintings reflect her reverence for the natural world. Her works are both contrary and compelling. Finally, visitors who have been drawn in by the captivating image announcing this show and the city-wide STAND UP for ART & SCIENCE initiative, can see more of Michelle Samour’s brilliantly colored hand-made paper works on the walls at the Cultural Center. 

The public is invited to join several of the artists at the Cultural Center on September 28, from 4:00-5:30 PM for a lively conversation exploring how connections between artistic expression, scientific understanding, and imaginative thinking can address the challenges of the changing ocean. The panel will be led by Christopher Volpe, artist, writer and educator, whose paintings are literally created with the toxic waste from fossil fuels, tar and oil. Peaks Island, Maine sculptor, Daisy Braun, joins the panel, bringing her perspective on plankton, those sustainers of life that uphold the food chain and produce over half the earth’s oxygen. Michelle Lougee, who makes colorful playful sculptures of sea creatures out of post-consumer plastic a material that both “horrifies and beguiles” her, rounds out the panel. 

Navigating Art & Science exhibition continues through October 13, at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester. Gallery hours are noon – 5 PM, Thursday through Sunday. To learn more visit: www.rockyneckartcolony.org.

𝓣𝓸𝓭𝓪𝔂’𝓼 𝓢𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓲𝓪𝓵𝓼
🍕Buy any 18” Pizza get an 18” Cheese for $5
🍕Buy any 16” Pizza get a 16” Cheese for $5

🎉Additional Specials for today!
🦞$15.99 Lobster Rolls
🍔 $4.99 cheeseburgers w/ Chips & Pickles

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Half off only on these two flavors for soft serve, special subject to change

Sunday, Sept. 28 • 11 AM
Ages 9–13
No experience needed

Kick off at the YMCA with warm ups, games & golf basics then head to Harbor 9 Golf for a fun virtual 3-hole scramble!

✔️ $25/child
✔️ Space is limited
✔️ Y membership not required

📲 Register now! Call 978-283-0470

Thanks to the generosity of friends and neighbors, we went to The Burn on Main St recently to use our gift card. We were seated quickly and it was busy in there! All staff were friendly and helpful. Jim got the half and half chowder and a chicken pesto sandwich that was on special. I ordered the rice bowl with carne asada (and I LOVED it!). It was all tasty fresh and served in a timely manner. Jim just loves the chowder there. For the sake of the blog, Jim also ordered cheesecake (The Burn has desserts now!) while I sipped a perfectly made Irish coffee. We enjoyed the vibe and look forward to returning soon.