By Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program October 1, 2022
- Overview
European green crabs are one of the most widespread invasive marine species on the planet. Where they are abundant, green crabs outcompete other native shellfish. They are voracious eaters and a major predator of clams, mussels, and oysters. They also actively disturb bed sediments, leading to the loss of the eelgrass that serves as essential habitat for Dungeness crab and Pacific salmon.
USGS is working to increase the effectiveness of Washington’s green crab early detection and rapid response program. Research at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center aims to improve native shellfish habitat and limit the spread of European green crabs in coastal waters. Scientists have added new molecular technologies to the current monitoring program to broaden its capabilities. New research also looks at the compounding effects of climate change on the green crab populations (e.g., warmer waters = more green crabs). Ultimately, this work will help collaborators better control the spread of green crab and protect our region’s vital ecosystem, culture, and fisheries economy.
Green Crab
Green Crab
Development and Refinement of Methods for Early Detection of European Green Crab
European green crabs are one of the most widespread marine invasive species on the planet. Where they are abundant, green crabs compete with other crabs and disturb sediment which can lead to loss of eelgrass and associated habitat essential for commercial, cultural, and ecologically important fish and invertebrate species. Green crab also are a major predator of clams, mussels, and oysters.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)
link
Development and Refinement of Methods for Early Detection of European Green Crab
European green crabs are one of the most widespread marine invasive species on the planet. Where they are abundant, green crabs compete with other crabs and disturb sediment which can lead to loss of eelgrass and associated habitat essential for commercial, cultural, and ecologically important fish and invertebrate species. Green crab also are a major predator of clams, mussels, and oysters.
Learn More
WFRC Ecology Section - Projects Overview
The Ecology Section examines how environmental variability, human activities and infrastructure influence food web interactions and species performance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We have extensive experience in quantifying aquatic food web processes as they relate to growth, survival and production of key species of interest, especially resident and anadromous salmonids.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center
The Ecology Section examines how environmental variability, human activities and infrastructure influence food web interactions and species performance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We have extensive experience in quantifying aquatic food web processes as they relate to growth, survival and production of key species of interest, especially resident and anadromous salmonids.
Learn More
European green crabs are one of the most widespread invasive marine species on the planet. Where they are abundant, green crabs outcompete other native shellfish. They are voracious eaters and a major predator of clams, mussels, and oysters. They also actively disturb bed sediments, leading to the loss of the eelgrass that serves as essential habitat for Dungeness crab and Pacific salmon.
USGS is working to increase the effectiveness of Washington’s green crab early detection and rapid response program. Research at the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center aims to improve native shellfish habitat and limit the spread of European green crabs in coastal waters. Scientists have added new molecular technologies to the current monitoring program to broaden its capabilities. New research also looks at the compounding effects of climate change on the green crab populations (e.g., warmer waters = more green crabs). Ultimately, this work will help collaborators better control the spread of green crab and protect our region’s vital ecosystem, culture, and fisheries economy.
Green Crab
Green Crab
Development and Refinement of Methods for Early Detection of European Green Crab
European green crabs are one of the most widespread marine invasive species on the planet. Where they are abundant, green crabs compete with other crabs and disturb sediment which can lead to loss of eelgrass and associated habitat essential for commercial, cultural, and ecologically important fish and invertebrate species. Green crab also are a major predator of clams, mussels, and oysters.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)
link
Development and Refinement of Methods for Early Detection of European Green Crab
European green crabs are one of the most widespread marine invasive species on the planet. Where they are abundant, green crabs compete with other crabs and disturb sediment which can lead to loss of eelgrass and associated habitat essential for commercial, cultural, and ecologically important fish and invertebrate species. Green crab also are a major predator of clams, mussels, and oysters.
Learn More
WFRC Ecology Section - Projects Overview
The Ecology Section examines how environmental variability, human activities and infrastructure influence food web interactions and species performance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We have extensive experience in quantifying aquatic food web processes as they relate to growth, survival and production of key species of interest, especially resident and anadromous salmonids.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center
link
WFRC Ecology Section - Projects Overview
The Ecology Section examines how environmental variability, human activities and infrastructure influence food web interactions and species performance in freshwater and marine ecosystems. We have extensive experience in quantifying aquatic food web processes as they relate to growth, survival and production of key species of interest, especially resident and anadromous salmonids.
Learn More
