Invasive European crabs found at Annette Island
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August 3, 2022
Courtesy of Dustin Winter/ Metlakatla Indian Community
Carapaces, or shells, from invasive European green crabs were found on the beaches of Annette Island last month, followed by the discovery of live crabs.
An invasive species with the potential to wreak havoc on important commercial and subsistence fisheries has been found in Alaska for the first time. Biologists with the Metlakatla Indian Community said they've found growing evidence of European green crabs at Annette Island.
Scientists said the crustaceans uproot eelgrass beds in search of food, which serve as habitat for herring and salmon. They also compete with native crab species and prey on other shellfish, including scallops and juvenile oysters.
Scientists had been looking for the crabs for years. And to their relief, they had come u...
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