European Green Crabs Found Near La Push

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported Monday that Invasive European green crabs have been captured near the port of La Push.  This is the first time this invasive species has been reported in this location.  Between traps and hand captures, 33 crabs were removed during the first week of August.

“The detection of invasive crabs around La Push is not surprising given their populations to the north in Makah Bay and to the south in Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay,” said Chelsey Buffington, WDFW’s European green crab project lead.

“European green crabs do not respect jurisdictional boundaries,” said Justin Bush, WDFW Aquatic Invasive Species policy coordinator and the state’s EGC Emergency Incident Commander. “This is an excellent example of tribal nations, the state, and researchers working together to address a shared problem that threatens our environment and coastal economies.”

Dungeness crabs were also caught and released at numerous trap sites and Dungeness molts spotted throughout the survey area — positive signs that the native crab population is doing well.

The European green crab is a damaging invasive species that threatens native shellfish, eelgrass, and estuary habitat critical for salmon and many other species. The species is a type of shore crab found in shallow areas — typically less than 25 feet of water — including estuaries, mudflats, intertidal zones, and beaches.

WDFW, co-managers, tribes, shellfish growers, and other agencies and partners have removed more than 258,000 EGC from Washington waters so far in 2024.  An interactive map showing management areas with catch counts updated monthly is available on WDFW’s European Green Crab Hub at the WDFW's Website.

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