The European Green Crab invasion has officially spread north, and its presence is confirmed at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site near Ketchikan. Barbra Morgan, a University of Alaska Southeast instructor, discovered the crab carcasses while teaching a field class on species identification.
Her students participated in an educational effort to monitor invasive species along Alaska’s southern coast. On the last beach they visited, small crabs less than an inch wide were discovered.
This invasive crab, originally detected on Annette Island in July 2022, has steadily advanced north from the San Francisco Bay region. It has now reached the shores of Alaska, potentially endangering local marine ecosystems.
Experts warn that the European green crab poses serious threats to native crab and fish populations, especially Dungeness crabs and juvenile salmon. These behaviors make the European Green Crab a top concern for Alaska’s fisheries and coastal habitats.
Efforts are now focused on controlling the population, not completely eradicating it, which is seen as nearly impossible. By identifying key habitats like Salmon nurseries, researchers hope to preserve crucial marine ecosystems.
Morgan urges people not to touch suspected invasive crabs but instead report sightings to authorities. Mistaking native species for invaders could cause unintentional harm. Residents can find an identification guide and permit request on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s website.
