How was the European green crab introduced?

European green crabs were first introduced to North America in the 1800s, likely traveling in ballast water of merchant ships from Europe. Subsequent introductions in South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the west coast of North America have caused concern globally.

How did the European green crab become an invasive species?

Ships and boats can also move European green crab. In fact, commercial shipping is the biggest “vector” of invasive marine species in the world via ballast (historically solid, but ballast water in more modern times), and fouled hulls (boats that have marine life growing on them).

How did European green crabs come to California?

European green crabs introduced to San Francisco Bay probably came from the east coast. Although the mode of the introduction is unknown, these crabs likely arrived in ballast water or packing material or live bait.

How did the green crab get to the Pacific Northwest?

The first evidence of European green crabs in America was found in the 1800s, when crabs were brought over to Cape Cod on a sailing ship. In 1989, European green crabs were spotted in San Francisco Bay and began spreading north, being observed in Oregon in 1997, Washington in 1998 and British Columbia in 1999.

Are European green crabs invasive species?

The European green crab is not known to occur in Alaska, yet it is an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, as far north as British Columbia. It is a small, aggressive marine shore crab found in rocky intertidal and estuarine areas.

What is being done to stop the European green crab?

The ballast water of ships is accredited with providing transportation for the spreading of many invasive species. To prevent the invasion of the European green crab into Kachemak Bay, the ballast water of all incoming ships might be deoxygenized to kill the green crab larvae in it.

Where did European green crab come from?

The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is native to several European coastal areas. It was found in North America in the early 1800’s and recently arrived in Newfoundland waters, adapting and expanding rapidly in its new environment.

How do you crab in Maine?

According to the State of Maine regulations on crabs, recreational users can take crabs by hand or with hook and line. The use of traps of any design is illegal. The taking and of lobsters by any means, without a Maine lobster license, is illegal and subject to prosecution.

Where does the European green crab come from?

The European green crab ( Carcinus maenas) is a small shore crab whose native distribution is in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and Baltic Sea, ranging along coasts from northern Africa toNorway and Iceland.

When did European green crab become an aquatic nuisance?

In 1998, the European green crab ( Carcinus maenas) was formally recognized as an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) by the Federal ANS Task Force (a national coordinating body). That same year Washington State made it illegal to possess or transport European green crabs.

Is the European green crab illegal in Washington State?

In 1998, the European green crab ( Carcinus maenas) was formally recognized as an Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) by the Federal ANS Task Force (a national coordinating body). That same year Washington State made it illegal to possess or transport European green crabs. It is a prohibited species in Oregon and California.

Why are shore crabs called shore crabs in Europe?

In Europe, it is simply called the “shore crab” because it is the most common species of shore crab in the native range. This is similar to how we, in the Pacific Northwest, refer to Hemigrapsus species as “shore crabs,” but it can cause confusion when we talk about crabs with our European colleagues.