400,000 Invasive European Green Crabs Euthanized, in Bid for Eradication — Washington

Washington State has euthanized 400,000 of the invasive species that have been caught from its waterways to eradicate the invasive European green crab. In recent years, the crabs raced into the area's seas, endangering native species such as Dungeness crabs, oysters, and littleneck clams, along with seagrass that provides a habitat for fish.

Invasive European Green Crabs

There are important economic and environmental stakes in the state's conflict with the invasive European green crab. The shellfish industry, which is expected to contribute $270 million annually to the state's economy and employs around 3,200 people in rural regions, might be harmed by the crab if its expansion is left unchecked. The crab may also harm coastal habitats, which would make it more difficult for animals like shorebirds and salmon to survive.

Green crabs can't break the shells of adult oysters, but they may feed on young ones and will delve six inches below to discover clams to eat, according to the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife. The agency notes that a green crab may eat 40 half-inch clams each day in addition to other crabs of its size.

It is the crab's behavior of digging that can harm wetlands, estuaries, and eelgrass.

According to Allen Pleus, Fish and Wildlife's emergency incident commander for European green crabs, the species has a "nasty reputation" that has prompted the organization to increase its efforts to eradicate it.

400,000 European Green Crabs Euthanized

According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, no one is being urged to kill suspected green crabs at this time, primarily because it is possible to confuse them with other native crab species. Instead, it is encouraged for people to report sightings.

European green crabs are not well-known as delectable seafood since they are rather tiny by crab standards. If used in cooking, they are often added to stocks and broths. The crabs' dull hues of green and yellow, together with five tooth-like serrations on both sides of their shells, make them relatively distinct, according to Washington State Standards.

According to Fish and Wildlife data, the state and its partners have seized and put to death more than 400,000 European green crabs since 2021, primarily along the state's coast and in northern Puget Sound. Washington is investing millions in state resources to address the issue, and local authorities believe the federal government should be contributing more.

The 1800s saw the proliferation of European green crabs along the country's eastern shore following their arrival by ship. They were found in the late 1980s on the West Coast, and around five years ago, they started to grow in Washington's waters. By 2021, there will be visible population growth.

Although it is highly unlikely that the crab will ever be completely eliminated from the area, Pleus is optimistic that its populations may be kept low enough to avoid negative consequences.

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Funded Eradication

It was noted during the discussion of the problem that, as a result of the state's prompt response, no substantial economic, environmental, or cultural repercussions have been seen so far. However, it is hoped that any harmful effects would be avoided. Although there has been improvement, Washington's native crab populations still lag behind those in other areas. The northern Pacific coast, Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor, and other notable regions are also impacted by the crabs.

$12 million has been allotted by the state for crab control initiatives, and local management and collaborations are vital in the battle against invasive species, Kitsap Sun reports.