An invasive species of crab is clawing its way across Whidbey.

The European green crab, which poses a threat to native shellfish, eelgrass and estuary habitat critical for salmon and many other species, has been an issue in the state for several years now, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

On Whidbey, Communications Manager Chase Gunnell reported Lagoon Point has had low numbers of the crabs captured intermittently since 2018, and Cultus Bay had its first detection in 2024. But now, the invasive species has made its way to the northern Whidbey Basin.

Last week, a press release from Washington Sea Grant, a program based at the University of Washington supported by NOAA, revealed that a community member found a molt from one of the crabs at Similk Beach, located

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