06_2025_REELLIFE_digital - Flipbook - Page 39
This is to protect native
crabs, which are often
misidentified.
More information on EGC
regulations is available on
WDFW’s webpage and
in the Washington Sport
Fishing Rules. Under
Washington regulations,
prohibited invasive species
may be killed and retained
if you are certain about
species identification and
assume responsibility for
correct identification and
adherence to state fishing
rules.
Targeting European green
crabs with traps requires a
permit from WDFW. If you
own or manage shellfish
beds, beaches, or tidelands,
support and permits for
European green crab
control may be available.
Learn more by contacting
ais@dfw.wa.gov.
MANAGING GREEN
CRABS
WDFW, tribes, shel lfish
growers, other agencies,
and partners have made
significant progress
managing European green
crabs. Since January 2022,
more than one million
have been captured and
removed, most from
Willapa Bay, Grays Harbor,
and Lummi Bay. In 2024,
WDFW published a long-
term management plan for
European green crab after
a year-long collaboration
with tribal governments,
U.S. federal agencies,
Washington state agencies,
shellfish growers, public
universities, and additional
partners.
The plan includes detailed
guidance for European
green crab early-detection
monitoring, rapid response,
ongoing control trapping,
and other efforts across
defined management areas
and coordination zones for
Washington’s Outer Coast
and Salish Sea.
Photo by:
Joe DesJardin
PROTECT
OUR WATERS
Stop invasive species
CLEAN
DRAIN
• Boats
• Kayaks & SUPs
• Trailers
• Gear
• Boat
• Bilge
• Motor
• Live-wells
DRY
Invasive species such as quagga and zebra
mussels threaten our outdoor recreation,
Fully before
economy, infrastructure, environment, and
moving to a new public health. Help stop the spread by cleaning,
draining, and drying your gear, equipment, and
lake, river, or
watercraft every time you leave the water.
waterway.
Learn more:
dfw.wa.gov/
clean-drain-dry
Request this information in an alternative format or language at wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requestsaccommodation, 833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.
