The Lax Kw’alaams band has put out a warning about an invasive crab species on its Facebook page.
The Green Crab is an invasive species which is native to coastal Europe, North Africa and Asia. Studies that were performed in the Prince Rupert Harbour jurisdiction in the winter of 2019 found the presence of the green crab larva.
This is a small aggressive marine shore crab found in the rocky intertidal and estuarine areas. This species is an effective forager, adept at opening bivalve shells, feeds on many organisms including clams and mussels. It also feeds on algae and fucus.
The crab is generally oval and 90 mm across, has 5 prominent marginal teeth, 3 rostral bumps, slightly flattened walking legs and claws that are not rounded. If the crab is discovered during harvest activities it is recommended to destroy the animal but not to dispose the carcass in the water.
