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European Green Crab

Marine Species | Education & Outreach

Why are European Green Crabs a Concern?

European green crabs (EGC) are considered one of the world’s worst invasive species. ECG can outcompete native crabs, decimate shellfish populations, and destroy important eelgrass habitats. One EGC can eat up to 40, half-inch clams per day! The EGC threatens Washington’s environment, coastal economies, and tribal and cultural resources. You can learn more about the European green crab on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's website. 

Report a European Green Crab

How to identify European Green Crabs?

  • The best way to identify the European green crab is by the five spines on either side of their eyes. No other crab in Washington state has this characteristic.
  • Color is not the best way to identify these crabs, as they can be green, red, brown or orange.
  • European green crabs are found along the shore, typically in less than 25 feet of water. They prefer areas protected from ocean waves or currents, such as estuaries.
  • In Washington state, the EGC is most often confused with the native hairy shore crab or helmet crab.

What Can You Do?

  • Next time you are at the beach, look out for European green crabs. Report any suspected green crabs (alive or dead) to WDFW as soon as possible.
  • For people who own beaches, tidelands or shellfish beds, support and permits for European green crab trapping may be available.
  • We are not asking the public to kill suspected European green crabs at this time. This is to protect native crabs, who have been misidentified as green crabs and killed.
  • As a Prohibited Invasive species in Washington, under state law it is illegal to possess a live European green crab. In this context, possess means transported, bought, or sold.

Common Crabs Native to Washington

European Green Crab