Top trappers Willapa Bay crew leads front-line fight against green crab

A dedicated crew from Willapa Bay is leading an impressive campaign against the invasive European green crab, having removed over 120,000 crabs since the start of the year. This invasive species, known for its destructive feeding habits, threatens Washington's shellfish and aquaculture industries by consuming up to 40 clams per crab daily, thus earning the title of 'the world's worst invasive species' from WDFW. The team, comprising locals Niko Hora, Warren Cowell, and Carlos Morales, has implemented innovative trapping strategies, including the use of larger entrance traps to improve their catch rates. After capturing the crabs, they meticulously sort them by sex, ensuring that gravid females are separated for further monitoring. Any bycatch, such as Dungeness and red rock crabs, is promptly released, demonstrating their commitment to preserving local marine life.

The crabs collected are taken to a WDFW field station for humane euthanasia and potential biological analysis. This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of community involvement in tackling environmental issues but also serves as a model for similar efforts elsewhere. As invasive species continue to threaten ecosystems globally, the work being done in Willapa Bay stands as a testament to the power of local action in conservation efforts.