In partnership with Grays Harbor Conservation District, Pacific Conservation District has been tackling the European green crab problem—a highly destructive invasive species threatening Washington’s marine ecosystems.
The Threat:
European green crabs wreak havoc on eelgrass beds, marsh habitats, shellfish populations, and salmon recovery efforts. Left unchecked, these invaders can destabilize food webs and harm our shellfish aquaculture industry.
The Response:
Since January 2022, an incredible 387,399 European green crabs have been removed from Washington’s marine waters. More than 300K were from the Coast Branch, which includes Willapa and Grays Harbor. This critical effort is a collaboration between conservation districts, tribal nations, state agencies, and local industry partners like the Willapa Grays Harbor Oyster Growers Association.
Thank you, Pacific Conservation District, for leading the charge to protect Washington’s coastal ecosystems—one crab at a time.
With support from the Riparian Plant Propagation Program, large-scale native plant production is underway through a partnership with Puget Sound Plants, enabling the cultivation and statewide distribution of more than 30,000 riparian plants. This high-volume nursery system strengthens Washington’s restoration supply chain and ensures consistent access to locally grown native material.
Grays Harbor Conservation District maintains tens of thousands of native plants annually at a partner-operated holding site, using gravel beds and nursery infrastructure to support healthy plant growth and regional riparian restoration. Through project support and community distribution, the district helps meet evolving restoration needs across the region.
Snohomish Conservation District is expanding its riparian plant capacity while preparing for a new office and greenhouse facility. Through partnerships with Snohomish County, Edmonds College, and the Latino Educational Training Institute, the district maintains thousands of native plants and supports hands-on workforce development for local restoration efforts.
