Washington Sea Grant’s Crab Team monitors are gearing up for the 11th season of early detection and monitoring of invasive European green crab. Tracking green crab populations is an essential tool for effective management – and it’s pretty fun! Sound Water Stewards have been volunteering with Washington Sea Grant for many years in support of this project, and are actively engaged! See details below.
WHO can join?
Each year, Washington Sea Grant is able to bring on new volunteers to meet targeted needs of sites within the Crab Team network. No prior experience is necessary, but all participants must be at least 14 years old.
WHAT is being a Crab Team monitor like?
Teams of up to 6 monitors visit their assigned site two consecutive days each month (April-September), traveling over uneven, often muddy terrain, rain or shine. Teams set traps at low tide and return the next day to record organisms they find. Read about what it’s like to be Boots in the Mud with Crab Team. You can even watch this summary video to get a flavor of sampling protocols.
WHERE are volunteers needed?
WA Sea Grant will continue updating this recruitment map of Crab Team sites looking for new teammates. [They will do their] best to fill gaps in returning rosters based on location, abilities, and schedules to maintain balanced, timing-aligned local teams. If [they are] not able to match you to a site this Spring, you’ll be top of our list for future openings.
WHEN will training happen?
All dates and locations are listed below. This year’s March training takes place over three sessions: 2 virtual sessions (on Zoom) and 1 in-person session, offered at several locations across the region. Event specific details will be shared with those matched to a site.
HOW do I join?
If this sounds fun and you’re available for this year’s training dates, please fill out this brief Interest Form. We’ll review submissions on a rolling basis and let you know whether we will be able to bring you into our new volunteer training workshops this Spring.
Contact crabteam@uw.edu with any questions. Thank you for your interest in supporting these programs!
-Crab Team HQ
Taken from Crab Team 2025 newsletter
