Washington’s salt marshes and pocket estuaries are diverse and productive habitats, currently facing potential invasion by European green crabs (Carcinus maenas). Often listed among the world’s most problematic invasive species, green crabs are now poised to enter Washington’s inland waters along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.
The Crab Team, based out of Washington Sea Grant, seeks motivated, adventurous volunteers to help us monitor species that live in these habitats and to look for green crabs. Finding them at the earliest stage of invasion provides the best chance for controlling their populations. Volunteers conduct monthly trapping and shoreline surveys April – September. To learn about these species and how to become a volunteer, attend an upcoming training sponsored by Washington Sea Grant.
Where: San Juan Island
Friday Harbor Labs
When: Mon. March 14
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Lopez Island
Lopez Library
When: Tues. March 29
9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
No experience necessary and all equipment provided. Free event, but registration is required. To sign up, visit the website and events calendar wsg.washington.edu/crabteam.
