invasive species
Green Crab Monitoring
FRIENDS' Green Crab Monitoring Project is designed to help fill the gap left by the loss of State funding of efforts to monitor the possible invasion of our beaches by this creature. The European green crab is a voracious predator that feeds on clams, oysters, and mussels, and could have catastrophic impacts on our State's shellfish stocks.
 First spotted in California in 1998, the green crab has now entered Washington. Early detection through monitoring is essential for protection against this invasive species. FRIENDS is participating in volunteer monitoring efforts that also include local shellfish growers and other non-profit organizations.
Invasive Spartina
Spartina is a type of salt marsh grass that is native to the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. People introduced spartina to the region as packing material for imported oysters, feed for cattle, and to stabilize shorelines. Spartina forms dense colonies that severely limit habitat diversity. When it invades mudflats, it traps sediments and raises the elevation until the habitat is no longer suitable for mudflat species. It can raise a mudflat to heights that cut off shellfish production.In salt marshes, spartina crowds out other plants and results in less diverse animal populations. Spartina can quickly form extensive meadows that rob migratory shorebirds and waterfowl along the Pacific flyway of habitat for forage and refuge.
Until recently, the plant was believed to be exterminated from San Juan County. But this year a state crew from the Department of Agriculture located patches at several locations in the county. In addition to the Weeks Wetland Preserve, infestations were found at Mud Bay and Spencer Spit Lagoon on Lopez, Buck Bay on Orcas, and Jakle's Lagoon on San Juan. Eradication of the plant is a top priority for the state and for the San Juan County Noxious Weed Control Board.
The San Juan County Noxious Weed Control Board is available to help landowners identify and combat spartina. "Saltmarshes, mudflats, and estuaries are the perfect habitat for the plant" said Rich Lee of the Weed Control Board. "We're asking landowners to be on the lookout. Please contact the Weed Board at 376-3499 to learn more."
FRIENDS asks that everyone keep a sharp eye out for these invasive species. If you believe you have seen either the Invasive Green Crab or Spartina please call us at 378-2319 and report the location.
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