Scientists report rise in invasive green grabs in Coos Bay Estuary
ODFW
Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife provides guide to identifying invasive green crabs
COOS BAY, Ore. (KTVZ) – Invasive European green crab populations continue to grow, threatening Oregon coastal species and habitats, according to a report published recently by South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve.
The report follows a 19-year study conducted by the Reserve and OSU scientists, during which researchers trapped crabs annually throughout the Coos Bay Estuary, along Oregon’s southern coast. In 2020, approximately 77 percent of the crabs caught were European green crabs. The green crabs were found at all sites, but were most abundant in mid to upper parts of the estuary.