European Green Crab Detected on Vancouver Island, Authorities Urge Public Vigilance

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) confirmed the presence of the invasive European Green Crab in Esquimalt Lagoon on Vancouver Island. The discovery was made through a monitoring program coordinated with the Esquimalt Lagoon Stewardship Initiative and the Capital Regional District, which run volunteer trapping efforts across the region.

Residents are asked to report sightings by photographing the crab, noting the location, and contacting the toll‑free line at 1‑888‑356‑7525 or emailing DFO. Identification tips include five sharp spines beside each eye, crescent‑shaped yellow dots behind the eyes, and a pentagonal shell.

The species threatens local marine ecosystems by damaging eelgrass meadows—critical nursery habitats for herring and salmon—and by preying on clams, oysters and mussels. Its spread along the West Coast of North America has accelerated over the past three decades, aided by heat‑wave‑driven reproduction and a larval stage that can drift for up to 90 days. The crab has been recorded in British Columbia since 2006 and is listed among the world’s ten most unwanted invasive species.