Introducing the Howe Sound European Green Crab Monitoring Network

European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas) is a highly destructive invasive species with an aggressive temperament and a pentagon-shaped shell. This species has been invading Canadian waters for decades, but the spread in the south coast of BC is getting closer to Howe Sound waters.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has been battling this invader. It is a destructive species, reproducing extremely quickly and destroying habitat that throws the ecosystem out of balance. “Once European Green Crab have established a population in an area, it is practically impossible to eradicate them. However, we can limit their spread and the damage they cause.” DFO.

Taking an early detection, rapid response approach is key. In Howe Sound, the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council has been monitoring the upper areas of Howe Sound for a few years, but it was identified that vulnerable areas in the southern part of the fjord were not.

We facilitated discussions at the Ocean Watch Action Committee quarterly meetings about how to add more locations to monitor, focusing on areas with habitats most likely to be preferred by ECG. As a result of this collaboration and cooperation, in summer 2023, willing volunteers began monitoring for EGC in Mannion Bay, facilitated by Bowen Island Municipality in collaboration with Bowen Island Fish and Wildlife Club. This was made possible through conversations with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and huge support from the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council.

In September 2023, training begins for monitoring in West Howe Sound around Hutchinson Creek. The Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council supports the training for volunteers and staff at the Nicholas Sonntag Marine Education Centre in Gibsons.

Funding to sustain the monitoring is partly received from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as grants and donations. Most recently, a donation from RBC for $7,000 has been supporting the work. Multi-year funding DFO grant is being applied for, but the program will need ongoing donations to sustain the monitoring. You can donate towards the Howe Sound European Green Crab Monitoring Program anytime through the Howe Sound Biosphere Fund at West Vancouver Foundation here.

If you think you've seen a European Green Crab, report it: https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/.../invasive-species-especes...