Virtual: Invasive Green Crab Training

Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University Extension have teamed up to launch a new volunteer-based early detection program to complement the existing Crab Team monitoring network. This event includes a 1-hour virtual workshop where you will learn how to identify crab molts, where and how to conduct a 20-minute Molt Search survey, how report your findings using the MyCoast mobile app, and optionally how to collect additional data on Dungeness crab molts. Additionally, you can register to join us in person on Orcas or Lopez Islands for continuied in-field trainings in June.  If you have questions please email Jess Newley, Commuity Science and Education Director at Friends of the San Juans, jess@sanjuans.org.

Invasive European green crabs are voracious eaters that threaten our shellfish beds, clamming beaches, and nearshore habitat for salmon. The detection of European green crab molts could be an early indicator of the presence of European green crab in the area.  If community scientists, volunteers, shoreline landowners, and beachgoers knew what to look for, they could provide valuable information that would help to guide future Crab Team monitoring and trapping efforts. Join Friends of the San Juans and Molt Search and be part of the commuunity science action team in this effort to monitor our beaches for signs of European green crab presence by searching for their molts!