The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) has reported findings for the 2025 field season regarding the invasive European Green Crab.
The detection of this invasive crab was found this year in northern Hood Canal and Admiralty Inlet, including Port Gamble and Port Ludlow. In June, green crab molt was confirmed in False Bay on San Juan Island, the first evidence of green crabs in San Juan County. Thankfully, WDFW crews are equipped to make rapid response trapping when new locations are reported. Early detection is vital to maintain control.
Coordination with local partners and landowners was a theme throughout the summer months. Community members and shoreline property owners were mobilized, along with members from the Friends of the San Juans, to quickly deploy traps in False Bay on San Juan Island. Many of these volunteers are trained by Washington Sea Grant and the WSU (Washington State University) Molt Search Program.
The Skokomish Tribe and WDFW have also worked together to trap and remove green crabs from Quilcene Bay. Heavy trapping and close collaboration continue on the Washington Coast, including Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor, home to an extensive aquaculture industry.
As a side benefit, WDFW works with Tidal Grow AgriScience fertilizer companies to sustainably use the biomass from these captured crabs.
Why Trapping is Important. The European Green Crab is a damaging invasive species that threatens native shellfish, estuary habitats, eelgrass, and the aquaculture industry. These shore crabs are found in shallow areas, typically in less than 25 feet of water – estuaries, mudflats, intertidal zones, and beaches. These crabs may be encountered by beachgoers, waders, clam and oyster harvesters, or those crabbing off docks or piers in shallow areas.
Reporting Green Crabs. If you find a suspected European green crab or its shell in Washington, take photos and report it as soon as possible at www.wdfw.wa.gov/greencrab or through the Washington Invasive Species Council’s WA Invasives mobile app.
Crab identification guides and resources are available on the European Green Crab Online Hub and the WDFW EGC webpage.
Photo and Diagram: WDFW
