Summer 2018 saw a new and expanding threat to the Salish Sea from what is listed as one of the world’s 100 worst alien invasive species. About the size of your fist with an adult shell 3.5” wide, European green crabs probably came to our neighborhood on a freighter, and once established, they could become a real threat to several of our favorite fisheries, primarily they complete with Dungeness crabs for habitat. Like other shellfish, these crabs develop in several stages before a final moult to juvenile crabs. When they are as several stages of larvae, they drift with the current. As adults they prefer warmer shorelines and bays where they can hide among seaweed. They become voracious predators – try to pick one up and you’re understand why immediately. Teams of volunteers have been conducting trapping surveys, which is why we know about all of this.

European green crabs have been found now for some years at Makah Bay, Sook Harbor on Vancouver Island and more recently at Dungeness Spit. Now they’re been trapped in the San Juan Islands, Port Townsend Bay at Kala Point and even Lagoon Point on Whidbey Island, almost in sight of Seattle. They’re tough to catch and tend to stay clear of traps, so it’s fair to say many more are out there. What this means is that citizen spies are needed, a ‘Coastal Defense’ against this invader. Notice the characteristics of this bad boy (and girl) and internet search Crab Team to learn more. Sailors tend to also be foragers and beach explorers, catch crabs for dinner on their cruises. European green crabs should be reported. It’s important. The Dungeness or rock crab you enjoy today might be gone tomorrow.

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