Fish And Wildlife Seeks Help Battling Invasive Crab Species

OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is sounding the alarm — and looking for help — as an invasive crab species gains ground in the state's waterways.

The crab in question is the European green crab, which, according to WDFW researchers, is a major threat to the state's native shellfish, particularly other shore crabs, clams, and small oysters. Just one green crab can eat up to 40 half-inch clams a day, plus other crabs its own size.

The crabs have had a devastating impact on the Massachusetts coast, which WDFW says it doesn't want to see repeated here, especially since so many Washingtonians rely on the state's shellfish aquaculture industry, and native estuary ecosystems. To root out the invasive species, WDFW has posted an opening for eight seasonal scientific technicians, who will work full-time to control the crab populations in Ocean Park, Bellingham and Montesano.

"Picture yourself conducting land-based and/or boat-based trapping assessments throughout coastal intertidal and subtidal habitats following predetermined protocols to determine the distribution and abundance of European Green Crabs (EGC)," the posting reads.

Once hired, technicians will prowl trapping sites, logging confirmed sightings and looking for ways to eradicate the invasive crab.

While not everyone is qualified to help WDFW as a technician (the position requires at least two years experience as a Scientific Technician 1), there is something everyday Washingtonians can do to help out as well: report European green crab sightings online.

According to the WDFW's Crab Identification Guide, European green crabs have the following attributes:

• Carapace: oval to 90mm; 5 prominent marginal teeth, 3 rostral bumps
• Claws: not rounded
• Walking legs: last pair slightly flattened
• Color: green, brown, or reddish, typically with orange joints

>> Learn more about the European green crab from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.