On Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m., the Rockport Public Library will host the next program in their deliciously educational “foodie” series. Part-time commercial fisherman John Painter will discuss how the New England fishing industry is developing innovative strategies for addressing climate-change-related challenges — specifically, the proliferation of the invasive green crab.

Painter’s talk, entitled, “Turning the Tables on Green Crabs,” will be about green crabs; how they got here, what they’re doing here, and why it matters.

"It’s also a rare opportunity to learn about how the public can pragmatically address global warming while sitting at the dinner table," said RPL, in a news release.

Samples of food created using green crab will be available for tasting.

John Painter was born and raised in Owls Head, and commercially lobstered before attending college in Washington state. Later he moved to, and worked in, Germany and Hungary before returning to the US to pursue graduate studies at Rutgers. Painter now lives in Lewiston and his primary work is in HUD housing for seniors. He also has a cottage in Owls Head and returned to commercial fishing in 2020. Painter started Maine Green Crabs in 2023, and he fishes green crabs exclusively along the Weskeag River bordering Owls Head and South Thomaston.

Seating will be limited for this event. Please call the Rockport Library at 207-236-3642 to reserve a spot. More information at rockportlibrary.net.