WA Governor Issues Emergency Order to Eradicate Invasive Crabs

(Olympia, WA) -- Washington Governor Jay Inslee is issuing an emergency order to address the spread of European green crabs. The order affects the fast growth of the pest in the Lummi Nation's Sea Pond and outer coast areas. The Indian Business Council previously declared a disaster over the arrival of the green crab. At the time, crews had captured and removed more than 70,000 specimens within just a few months.

The European green crab is a predatory, invasive species that is credited for causing heavy damage to Maine's fisheries and coastal ecosystems; it poses threats to Dungeness crabs, oysters, and clams.

The order directs the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement emergency measures to eradicate the crustacean.