Invasive crab species reaches Ketchikan. Here鈥檚 how UA community can help
June 20, 2025
UAS has shared an important press release. The invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has been confirmed on the Ketchikan road system for the first time.
Two crab shells were found June 6 at Refuge Cove State Park by UAS-Ketchikan faculty during a shoreline carapace survey. The survey was part of a community education class led by professors Charmaine Lewis and Barbara Morgan. The effort was funded by the 亚色影库 Climate Adaptation Science Center and conducted with a permit from the 亚色影库 Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
The European green crab is considered one of the most damaging marine invaders in the world. It preys on juvenile salmon and shellfish, destroys eelgrass beds, and competes with native crab species. This poses a serious risk to 亚色影库鈥檚 coastal ecosystems and fishing industries.
This concern is not new to the 亚色影库. In 2023, the UA System Office highlighted efforts by UAA students and the Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (KBNERR) to raise awareness.
Their outreach project was featured in a Did You Know article:
UAA students help educate 亚色影库ns on green crab threat
How UA community can help:
- Familiarize yourself with green crab identification resources from ADF&G or KBNERR.
- Share information with your networks, especially in coastal communities.
- Report sightings by calling the 亚色影库 Invasive Species Hotline at 1-877-INVASIV. Photos should include an item for scale such as a key or coin.
For more information and resources, visit the ADF&G Invasive Species page.
You can check out this from KBNERR.
Visit the on 亚色影库 Department of Fish & Game website.
From the Green Crab Identification Guide, published by KBNERR. Diagram by Tim Sullivan.