Sound Water Stewards 501(c)(3) invites the public to assist in Washington Sea Grant’s Molt Search (WSG) and Washington State University Extension “Molt Search” program.
Scroll down for more details and to sign-up.
What is Molt Search
Molt Search is a citizen science initiative to combat the growing concerns about the invasive European green crab. The European green crab is considered to be one of the world’s worst invasive species and it threatens the overall health of Washington’s marine waters. Only a small fraction of the suitable nearshore habitat for this animal can be monitored by Washington Sea Grant’s Crab Team and the WDFW-led coalition of tribal co-managers and partners.
Utilizing citizen scientists for the Molt Search program enables the public to help protect local marine waters by monitoring shorelines throughout the Salish Sea. Are you an interested community member? You are invited to take the Molt Search training! Learn how to conduct a timed survey for crab molts and to report their findings using a mobile app.
When are Island County Training(s)
Sound Water Stewards has conducted multiple trainings in Island County. Our next training is July 30th in Coupeville, WA from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Are you interested in a future training opportunity? Please complete and submit the form below.
How Molt Searches Help
“Molt Search aims to support broader participation in early detection along inland Washington’s shorelines by teaching volunteers simple, standardized steps for searching and reporting on the presence (and absence!) of European green crab molts. Molts can serve as an early indicator of the presence of European green crab in a new area” (Washington Sea Grant).
What Does a Training Entail
A Molt Search training entails 1-hour educational training, followed by beach training which includes:
- Background/History
- Crab anatomy and identification
- Native vs. invasive species education
- European Green Crab identification
- Hands on identification of crab molts
- Education and protocol of timed surveys
- Use of MyCoast application
