noaasanctuaries: We’re feeling crabby about the invasive European green crab that has made its way i
noaasanctuaries: We’re feeling crabby about the invasive European green crab that has made its way into Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary! This species first appeared along the Western U.S. in 1989, likely through the ballast water of cargo ships traveling across the ocean. These highly adaptable predators feast on shrimp, oysters, clams and small Dungeness crabs, taking away important food sources for local shorebirds and migratory seabirds. Since 2009 researchers from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, universities, and volunteers have been working to remove these crabs.(Photo: Kate Bimrose/NOAA) [Image description: Small green and black crab held in a person’s fingers.] -- source link