The Nature Files (Ep. 6): The Case of the Colonizing Crabs

Here in serene North Pacific waters, the European green crab is an unwelcome inhabitant. Like other invasive species, green crabs leave a trail of destruction behind, so people are mobilizing to remove these crabs before they establish a foothold. How can eDNA stop this crustacean invasion before it’s too late?
Hey, teachers! Here’s a cheat sheet of what’s included in this episode of The Nature Files:
• What is an invasive species?
• How and when European green crabs arrived in the North Pacific
• The effect of invasive European green crabs on seagrass beds (on the habitat and other species living there) in the North Pacific Ocean
• Using eDNA to detect, monitor, and help manage invasive populations
• The Coastal Restoration Society; T’Sou-ke First Nation
From invasive crabs to lost whales, tapping into the world of environmental DNA can be the key to solving some of nature’s biggest riddles. Join us as we crack the code on nature and unlock mysteries in our newest series, The Nature Files.
Created by the Hakai Institute
Produced and edited by Katrina Pyne
Narrated by Grant Callegari
Script revisions by Kelly Fretwell and Meigan Henry
Fact-checking by Matt Lemay, Colleen Kellogg, and Crysta Stubbs
Videography by Toby Hall, BC Stock, and courtesy of the Coastal Restoration Society
Additional videography by Grant Callegari and the Maria Mitchell Association
Special thanks to Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, Ahousaht First Nation (Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society), and T’Sou-Ke First Nation
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Where do the green crabs go to be destroyed/what happens to them in the removal efforts?

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They are currently limited to upland disposal for green crabs. With special permits, they're able to share some crabs with researchers but the majority of the catch goes to the compost section of local landfills after they are euthanized by freezing.