BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Invasive European green crabs have been discovered in Bellingham’s Squalicum Harbor.
The Port of Bellingham says Marine Life Center Director Casey Cook found one specimen on June 2nd in a trap the center uses for educational purposes.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife set more traps in the harbor and found more live specimens on June 9th.
NOAA says the green crabs are one of the most invasive species in the marine environment.
They have few predators, can decimate native crab species, juvenile salmon and eel grass and compete with other species for food.
The Port says these live specimens will help determine the extent of the invasion and how to mitigate it.
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