Washington Captured 2 Million Invasive Green Crabs
State and federal teams removed record numbers of the invasive species between July 2025 and June 2026.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Environmental
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Washington officials removed more than 2 million invasive European green crabs from state waters between July 2025 and June 2026. This record-breaking total reflects more than all previous captures combined since the species was first documented in the state in 1998.
Why it matters
The invasive crabs pose a significant threat to local ecosystems by preying on juvenile salmon, native crabs, oysters, mussels, and clams. Warmer Pacific Ocean temperatures have accelerated their population growth, necessitating massive removal efforts.
Official capture data recorded 1.9 million crabs in Willapa Bay, 192,000 in Grays Harbor, and 18,000 in North Puget Sound. These figures were obtained through the work of approximately 500 professionals and volunteers setting and checking traps.
The players
Jay Inslee
Jay Inslee is the Governor of Washington who declared a state of emergency in 2022 to address the environmental threat posed by the invasive species.
The details
State and federal agencies dedicated at least $8 million to the trapping and monitoring program during the 2025-2026 fiscal year to combat the spread of the species. Despite these extensive removal efforts, including the discovery of the first green crab on Orcas Island in May 2026, scientists note that complete eradication is not currently expected.
Timeline
1998: European green crabs were first documented in Washington state.
2022: Governor Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency over the crab invasion.
July 2025 to June 2026: Officials captured more than 2 million green crabs.
May 2026: The first green crab was found on Orcas Island.
Upcoming winter: Researchers expect El Niño patterns to drive further population growth.
Deeper Dive
This effort follows a pattern set by the 2022 Washington state of emergency declaration regarding European green crabs by demonstrating the ongoing intensity of the state's invasive species response.
Increased crab populations may threaten the long-term sustainability of native shellfish harvesting and local salmon populations. Residents in coastal areas should remain aware of potential habitat changes affecting native marine life.
The takeaway
The rapid expansion of European green crabs underscores the challenge of managing invasive species in warming marine environments. Continued monitoring and trapping remain necessary to protect native juvenile salmon and shellfish populations from further disruption.
Further reading
For more information on state efforts to manage invasive populations, visit Washington Environmental.
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Should local governments prioritize increased spending on managing invasive species in your local marine environments?
