Seattle, WA
WDFW: 30 pounds of invasive green crab confiscated from Seattle seafood market
Washington Division of Fish and Wildlife
SEATTLE – Cops with the Washington Division of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confiscated round 30 kilos of stay inexperienced crab that had been being offered at a Seattle seafood market earlier this month.
In keeping with the WDFW, European inexperienced crab are a globally damaging invasive species that pose a risk to Washington’s financial, environmental and cultural sources. With a purpose to shield native crab species, like Dungeness crab, it’s unlawful to own or transport inexperienced crab in Washington.
WDFW officers went to analyze the seafood market after receiving a tip that they had been promoting stay inexperienced crab in early December. It was later decided that the market proprietor bought the crab from a retailer in Massachusetts.
Authorities say the Seattle retailer was unaware that the crab he bought was the invasive species outlawed in Washington state. The vendor was cooperative, and the crab had been confiscated and destroyed.
WDFW: Practically 250,000 invasive European inexperienced crabs faraway from Washington waters
The investigation will now be aimed on the Massachusetts seafood distributor. Moreover, the WDFW will contact the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Sport wardens in regards to the ramifications for trafficking a stay invasive species, and whether or not the seafood distributor offered to different markets within the Pacific Northwest.
ARE GREEN CRAB EDIBLE?
Although typically thought-about inedible as a consequence of their small dimension and lack of meat, inexperienced crab are edible. In keeping with the WDFW, European inexperienced crab are fished commercially in elements of their native vary, and are sometimes used for crab inventory and soup.
Dungeness crab die-off underway alongside US West Coast
POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF GREEN CRAB IN WASHINGTON
Potential impacts embrace the destruction of eelgrass beds and estuarine marsh habitats, threats to the shellfish trade, the Dungeness crab fishery, salmon restoration, and different ecological impacts to meals webs.
In keeping with report numbers from October, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has eliminated practically 250,000 invasive European inexperienced crab from Washington waters to this point in 2022.
A greater method to establish, cease invasive inexperienced crabs in Washington
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SPOT A GREEN CRAB
In keeping with the WDFW, anybody who spots a inexperienced crab is requested to not kill it. Despite the fact that it might sound counterintuitive, the general public is requested to keep away from killing the crab, and as a substitute report sightings to keep away from instances of mistaken identification.
To be taught extra, and report European inexperienced crab sightings, click on right here.
Volunteers show crucial within the combat in opposition to invasive inexperienced crabs
Because the starting of the yr, greater than 100,000 European inexperienced crabs have been captured and faraway from native waters. These numbers are the work of loads of palms.