Washington captures record 2.16 million invasive green crabs, but experts warn invasion is far from over

Washington state captured a record 2.16 million invasive European green crabs in fiscal year 2025-26, but established populations remain. (Photo: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) Washington state removed more than 2.16 million invasive European green crabs from its marine waters during the 2026 fiscal year, marking a major effort to control a species threatening coastal ecosystems. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the crabs were captured between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Despite the record catch, researchers warn that established populations have not been eradicated and the invasion could continue to worsen, putting native marine life at risk.The WDFW report said the Coastal Branch accounted for 2,133,725 of the captured crabs, while the Salish Sea Branch removed another 24,827 during the fiscal year.Green crab catches reached record highs in multiple months during the period. The department said the increase could be linked to greater funding for capture efforts, weather changes and continued growth in established populations.Despite the scale of the removal campaign, Washington has yet to eradicate any of its established invasi...