Small, Green, and Hungry: Invasive Green Crab Impacts and Status in Alaska

Join us for an informative marine life lecture presented by Jasmine Maurer, Harmful Species Lead at Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Invasive European green crab (EGC) are considered one of the top 10 most unwanted invasive species in the world. They are a small but aggressive crab that can alter nearshore environments and out compete many native nearshore organisms for resources. Their ability to reproduce quickly can lead to population explosions in as little as 12 months. Since 2006, Kachemak Bay National Estuary Research Reserve has been a leader in collaborating with state partners to prepare and monitor for the early detection of EGC in Alaska. KBNERR is an active partner in the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership (AKISP) working together across geography and agencies to keep Alaska wild and free from invasive species through outreach, education and monitoring. Jasmine Maurer has been leading the KBNERR Marine Invasive Species Program since 2020 and will share past and current efforts in Kachemak Bay and across the state to minimize impacts of EGC in Alaska’s coastal ecosystem, she will also share on EGC biology, impacts and current status in Alaska. EGC were first detected in Alaska by the Metlakatla Indian Community Fish and Wildlife Program in 2022, they are now confirmed to be, at a minimum, as far north as Kasaan on Prince of Wales Island. Following the presentation there will be an opportunity for hands-on learning of crab identification and EGC early detection methods.