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European green crab invasion in British Columbia

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2026-08-16 16:18 UTC → 2026-08-16 16:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The presence of the invasive European green crab has been confirmed in British Columbia, posing significant threats to marine ecosystems and traditional food sources. On Vancouver Island, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) identified the species in Esquimalt Lagoon through a volunteer monitoring program. The crab is noted for damaging eelgrass meadows and preying on shellfish such as clams, oysters, and mussels. Authorities have urged the public to report sightings to assist in managing the spread of the species, which is considered one of the world’s most unwanted invasive species. On the central coast, Heiltsuk Nation guardians have reported a surge in green crab populations in Gale Creek near Bella Bella. Indigenous stewards noted that the invasive crabs are highly resilient and can tolerate polluted environments, potentially exacerbated by the long-term environmental impacts of a diesel spill from the tugboat Nathan E. Stewart a decade ago. To protect local clam populations and food security, guardians are actively using vessels to trap the crabs in traditional harvesting areas. Community members, including Turza Humchitt, have reported that the surge is forcing harvesters to travel much farther to find traditional clams. Unlike native Dungeness crabs, these European green crabs are small and provide little meat, making them more suitable for fertilizer or sauces rather than serving as a primary food source.

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