Gulf of Alaska | Fishes and Fish Habitats MASTER’S POSTER PRESENTATION Living on the edge: Status of invasive green crab ( Carcinus maenas ) rapid response efforts in southern Southeast Alaska Presenter: Barbara Lake , barb.lake@noaa.gov, NOAA Fisheries Linda Shaw , Linda.Shaw@NOAA.gov, NOAA Fisheries Taylor Stumpf , taylorstumpf1996@gmail.com, Metlakatla Indian Community, Department of Fish and Wildlife Genelle Winter , genelle.winter@gmail.com, Metlakatla Indian Community, Department of Fish and Wildlife Dustin Winter , dwfw@aptalaska.net, Metlakatla Indian Community, Department of Fish and Wildlife Introduced to North America in the 1800s in the ballast of merchant ships, the invasive green crab ( Carcinus maenas ) is considered one of the most invasive species in the marine environment. It has few predators, aggressively hunts and eats its prey, destroys eelgrass beds, and outcompetes local species for food and habitat. Larval green crabs can also spread from one invaded area to another in ocean currents and may be transported with shellfish, equipment, or packing materials in aquaculture operations. Since 2020, when the species was first detected in Haida Gwaii, 60 miles from Alaska’s coast, NOAA Fisheries and Metlakatla Indian Community Department of Fish & Wildlife (MIC-DFW) led the way in early detection monitoring using eDNA, trapping, and carapace surveys. Two years later, on July 19, 2022, the first confirmed evidence of the invasive green crabs in the State of Alaska were discovered on Annette Islands Reserve during a carapace survey in Tamgas Harbor, Annette Island Reserve. MIC-DFW and partners quickly transitioned to response efforts and have continued to trap ever growing numbers of crabs on the island. Current results of eDNA sampling, trapping and carapace surveys will be shared along with modifications to current protocols pioneered by MIC-DFW and recommendations for other communities in southern Southeast Alaska.
The partnership between MIC-DFW and NOAA Fisheries exemplifies how to advance community interests when faced with invasive species management.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2023 203
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