(Juneau) - In response to discovery of European green crab carapaces at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site in Ketchikan on June 6, 2025, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) will be implementing the Early Detection and Rapid Response Plan for Invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Alaska, during the month of July 2025. ADF&G and partners will be deploying traps in the intertidal zone within the State Recreational Site to assess the status of European green crab in the area. This work will be accomplished under a Special Use Permit from Department of Natural Resources. The public is asked to avoid all contact with traps and any organisms that may be within the traps.

Participants in a University of Alaska Southeast – Ketchikan community education class completed beach surveys around Ketchikan under an ADF&G Aquatic Resources Permit. While searching the wrack line at Refuge Cove State Recreation Site, two invasive crab carapaces were found.

European green crabs are considered one of the most destructive invasive species globally. They are highly competitive, voracious and opportunistic generalist predators. Outside of their native range, these crabs have decimated shellfish populations on the Atlantic coast of North America, displaced native crabs, and diminished eelgrass and saltmarsh habitat in areas where they have become abundant. Unless controlled, they can significantly reduce biodiversity and abundance of valued inter- and subtidal native species, as well as damage nearshore habitat.

You can help by reporting invasive species. Visit the ADF&G website for information about how to identify these invasive crabs and their molted carapaces. If you find a live crab that you suspect to be a European green crab, do not kill it. Native shore crabs that are green can be mistakenly identified as the invasive crab. Instead, take photos of the suspect crab or carapace next to a key, coin, or other common item as a reference for size. Collect one of the suspected organisms in a Ziploc bag or sealable container and place the container in a freezer. Then, call the Invasive Species Hotline: 1-877-INVASIV or go online to report your findings. Under 5 AAC 41.075, European green crab are listed as a Class A Banned Invasive Species, which may not be collected, possessed, or transported without a valid permit from the Commissioner, except for the purpose of reporting. To submit photos and for more information about invasive species contact: Tammy Davis, ADF&G Invasive Species Program Coordinator: tammy.davis@alaska.gov or (907) 465-6183.

Additional materials can be found here: USGS Map of Ketchikan and Crab Identification.

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