Edible proposal on pesky invaders

PORTLAND, Maine - If we eat them, will they go away?

Unfortunately for foes of the green crabs that plague New England shellfish, the answer is probably "no". But that's not stopping a group of scientists, fishermen, chefs and others from getting together in Maine to try to brainstorm uses for the pesky crustaceans.

The invasive crabs, native to Europe, are a problem for New England's beloved shellfish industry because they are relentless predators of marketable species, such as clams. And they've become a bigger threat in recent years because they thrive in warm water, and the waters of the Gulf of Maine are warming fast.