Molt Search: A Community Science Initiative to Combat Invasive Species in Washington’s Marine Waters

Washington Sea Grant and WSU Extension are inviting the public to participate in the “Molt Search” program, a community science initiative aimed at addressing concerns about the invasive European green crab. As one of the world’s worst invasive species, these crabs pose a threat to the health of Washington’s marine waters. Due to limited resources available for monitoring shoreline habitats, assistance is needed to help locate these invaders and protect local marine ecosystems. The Molt Search program involves monitoring shorelines for old shells of green crabs and you can get involved by participating in training sessions to learn how to conduct surveys and report findings using a mobile app.

To get involved in the Molt Search program, Friends of the San Juans is hosting workshops in June. There are several opportunities for engagement, including a virtual training via Zoom on Tuesday, June 18 from 4 to 5 p.m., as well as in-person trainings on Orcas Island on Wednesday, June 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and on Lopez Island on Wednesday, June 26 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.. Registration links for each training session can be found on the Friends of the San Juans website at sanjuans.org. For more information about the workshops, contact Jess Newley, Friends’ Community Science and Education Director at Jess@sanjuans.org. Join us in this fight against invasive species and help protect Washington’s marine waters!