Washington
Help Washington manage European green crabs with citizen science events | HeraldNet.com
SNOHOMISH — Washington State University is hosting a citizen science “Molt Search” program on June 2 in an effort to combat growing concerns about the European green crab.
Introduced to North America in the 1800s, the European green crab is considered one of the most invasive marine species by agencies across the country. Because it has few natural predators, it outcompetes native species and can destroy precious habitat, such as the eelgrass beds juvenile salmon and other young fish use as nurseries.
Washington agencies and tribes noticed an uptick in green crabs in 2018, with an even greater increase of sightings in 2021. In 2023, the Washington State Legislature appropriated over $6 million for green crab management.
As part of these management efforts, WSU Beach Watchers and Washington Sea Grant is promoting its Molt Search program. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Gary Weikel Room at Willis Tucker Park, community members can learn how to conduct a timed survey for crab molt — outgrown and discarded shells — and report their findings through a mobile app.
“Since we are in the early stages of the spread of European Green Crab in inland Washington waters, early detection of these crabs is paramount,” Beach Watchers Program Coordinator Jonathan Robinson said. “That is why getting as many eyes out on the beach looking for European Green Crab molts is so important.”
On June 20, Washington Sea Grant is hosting its second annual Molt Blitz, where you can join citizen scientists across the state by reporting findings in your local area.
For more information on both events and European green crab management, you can visit https://wsg.washington.edu/crabteam/moltsearch/.
Eliza Aronson: 425-339-3434; eliza.aronson@heraldnet.com; X: @ElizaAronson.
Eliza’s stories are supported by the Herald’s Environmental and Climate Reporting Fund.
Update: Commanders announce the Driskel signing, and place Sam Cosmi on IR due to a concussion
The Washington Commanders are reportedly signing QB Jeff Driskel from the Arizona Cardinals practice squad. Marcus Mariota is day-to-day with hand and quad injuries, and Jayden Daniels has been shut down for the season. Josh Johnson is the only other QB on the 53-man roster, and Sam Hartman is available on the practice squad.
Dan Quinn said yesterday that the team could look to sign another QB, and Driskel was the most logical choice. He was the team’s third-string QB last season, but wasn’t re-signed. He played one snap for Washington during the regular season, and was on the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad to start this season. The move is not official, and the team will have to announce a corresponding roster move.
Facing the worst team in the league for the 2nd time in 3 games, the San Antonio Spurs came into this one looking for their 10th road win this year and their first 6 game winstreak since March of 2019. A sluggish start to the game saw them trailing after the 1st quarter, but an 18-4 run to start the 2nd put the game firmly in San Antonio’s hand, eventually outscoring Washington 43-21 in the period and securing a 20 point lead going into halftime. Washington was able to hang around all throughout the 3rd quarter though and even managed to cut the deficit to single digits a few times in the 4th, but solid defense and a dominant performance from Luke Kornet throughout the period saved the day for San Antonio. Seven players finished in double figures, while three also had double-doubles in the win. Washington meanwhile had five players finish in double figures, led by Bub Carrington’s 21 points.
The Spurs (21-7) are back in action Tuesday night in San Antonio at 7:30 CT for the first of two rematches this week with the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
SEATTLE — The recent floods in Western Washington have left a trail of destruction, with swollen rivers depositing debris into Lake Washington, and over the weekend, the Mercer Island Police Department’s Marine Patrol Unit actively engaged in storm clean-up efforts, focusing on removing trees and logs that pose navigation hazards.
SEE ALSO | Atmospheric river impact: why landslide risks linger long after the rain stops
The operation is expected to continue for several weeks as river levels gradually recede, city officials said.
Three atmospheric rivers slammed the region in the span of a week, leading to widespread flooding and damage to the state’s infrastructure.
Boaters on Lake Washington are urged to exercise extreme caution due to the hundreds of trees and logs floating in the water, the city of Mercer Island announced.
The Mercer Island police marine patrol is prioritizing the removal of free-floating debris that presents the greatest public risk, the department said Friday.
RELATED | King County identifies specific ‘levees of concern’ from floodwaters
Once these hazards are addressed, efforts will shift to clearing hazardous logs along public shorelines.
Residents and boaters who encounter free-floating logs or trees are encouraged to report them by calling the non-emergency line at 425-577-5656 or leaving a message at 206-275-7909.
Access to the Mercer Island Boat Launch may be restricted as Public Works staff process and chip the recovered debris.
For logs accumulated against private docks or shorelines, residents are advised to contact private towing or landscaping services, as city resources are currently focused on ensuring public navigation safety, the city said.
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