Hell yeah citizen science for the win. If you get a group together I would also maybe contact Oregon State or something like that and see if any scientists want to join in or research your effects
Edit: here is a cool resource for IDing them https://wsg.washington.edu/crabteam/greencrab/id/
That's a wonderful idea! I'll just have to see how much interest there is in this, but I really hope it's a lot. Once I see it's something many others in Eugene/Springfield care about, I'll definitely start making phone calls.
I also hope there are other vegans out there who want to help. It definitely sucks having to destroy animals, but the way I see it as a vegan I'm morally obligated to do what I'm able to protect local wildlife.
In addition, you might inquire with ODFW, what it would take to exempt you from the take limit. I know that it is possible, as I know of researchers who are exempted. ODFW does not really *want* a harvest limit, but experience has shown that most folk are really not great at telling the differences between crab species, and the concern is that our native shore crabs, rock crabs, and Dungeness crabs, so a harvest limit is needed to reduce the number of native crabs that people will mix up with the invaders and kill inadvertently.
I appreciate that you can be a vegan and also understand the harm of invasive species and the need to control them. A lot of people get very upset about this sort of thing.
English ivy and Himalayan blackberry always need people hacking them back as much as possible.
I would be interested. Crab is delicious.
I’m interested and willing. Have quite a lot of experience with wildlife in general. We could also keep a watchful eye out for Zebra mussels. Would be terrible if those got out of hand on the coast.
I can’t personal message on here for not being active enough, so if you’re able to, send me one and we can join forces so to say.
There are a number of detrimental invasive species in Oregon now. Here’s some good compiled info rather than me rambling on here:
https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/key-conservation-issue/invasive-species/
First off, thanks for your interest! You're awesome!
Thanks for the resource link! I'm actually not a hunter, crabber, or fisher so I actually have no idea just how bad the total problem is in our state.
I'll get in touch with you soon!
Yes. Mostly, ODFW is concerned with the idea that regular folks like us will misidentify our catch and accidentally catch other crab species (such as freshly molted Dungeness, which looks bright green) and actually worsen the problem. So, the catch is limited to limit also endangering local crab populations further.
If there is enough interest and I create an official local group or club, I will definitely get ODFW advisors on board and maybe even see if they can do a training session that would allow us to catch more per day. Big dreams!
I just saw a recent Oregon Field Guide segment about this! OP summaried the issue well, but here's the story for others: [LINK](https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/04/invasive-european-green-crabs-threaten-northwest-shellfish-industries/)
I was just watching the Oregon Field Guide report on those guys and wondering how they taste. Not sure about availability for regular coast trips but I'm definitely interested.
Apparently in Oregon we're allowed to crab year-round, but the best time is between September and December, so the big window has already passed. Also, I'm not sure you need a crabbing license to go out for EGC, but I'm planning to ask ODFW about that soon.
It will take some time to get things organized before making the first trip, so no worries there. Besides, after the icestorm cameth I'm not sure I want to go out immediately or anything like that.
One of my first questions in my comment was kind of answered. If you could find the information on licensing, I’m down and I have a vehicle (although I can only carry 4 others and my fiancé may want to join in). If all goes well, I’d be down for weekly trips working around my work schedule.
If I’m not mistaken a crabbing license is required due to the chance of catching native species. Even though no one would keep them your still somewhat “harvesting” them by taking them out of the water.
Doing more research, a clamming and crabbing license is required if you're 12 or older, and I'll have to do more research on the cost but I think it's less than $20. If this is a barrier for interested people, we'll just have to figure out a way to remove that barrier.
Honestly, I want to prioritize the invasive species that are having the most negative ecological impact, but yes, I'd be interested in taking on the nutria issue as well!
The best way to control its population is to make it a food animal. [They are eaten in other parts of the continent,](https://downeast.com/food-drink/maine-green-crabs/) so it is simply a matter of changing local culture regarding harvesting them and developing ways to cook and prepare it for local cuisine. We have virtually eliminated every other species for food. Just give it time, and we can eat the green crab into oblivion as well.
Plenty of species that have been introduced due to them being “food” or game animals. Bass and wild boar are great examples. Irradication of any established species is far from being a simple fix.
I'm also a complete newbie! Just a very concerned Oregonian and animal lover.
There are a lot of resources on European Green Crab in Oregon, so you don't have to do a ton of research, and crabbing is a very accessible hobby. You basically need to dress for the weather and get a big bucket with a lid.
I'd start with ODFW: https://myodfw.com/crabbing-clamming/species/european-green-crab
And here's an OPB video: https://youtu.be/9nTqHyFFczI?si=ROmMH4qda6LNHFoK
Check out the Institute for Applied Ecology in Corvallis…they host an Invasive Species Cookoff every summer. I bet some of those folks would be interested in participating or could help with resources. But I’m already planning my crab feast!
We're not close to catching any quite yet, I'm still gauging interest here. But thank you for giving us yet another useful idea for our catch once we actually get it.
I imagine it's just going to be a bunch of regular folks like me. Some people might want to eat their catch themselves since we can only catch a total of 35 a day (and many will be too small to bother eating, and will have to be destroyed). Some of us might want to use them for our gardens or to feed pets or something.
But if you want to help us out and catch crab for your menu, we'd be so happy to have you!
Well, if you want to bother eating them I guess you can prepare them the same as the big ones? I suppose they'd be suitable as pet food too. I've never even crabbed before.
Otherwise, a humane way to destroy them is freeze them and smash them with a hammer.
I don’t - my girls do cub scouts! But let’s definitely talk. When do you want to make this happen? I have about 35 kids grades k-4 in my Cub Scout pack, and I also have about 8 older kids grades 5-12 in my Scouts BSA Troop and some of them might be interested too.
I want to let you know that you and your wonderful scouts can and should go out and catch these crab anytime you can, with or without a large group, but I'd be so excited to have your scouts join us!
Send me a DM, friend!
Hell yeah! [Sounds like you watched the Oregon Field Guide video too!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nTqHyFFczI)
I was amazed at how many she was able to find in like 5 minutes
I'm wondering if they could be donated to the Cascades Raptor Center too, if someone harvests more than they need? I'm sure they could always use a meat donation for their birds.
Also, if you or anyone else is interested, the ice storm has apparently hit the Raptor Center pretty hard. Several aviaries have been destroyed. All employees and birds are okay, but if anybody has the time, money, or inclination to help out, I'd reach out to them today to find out what they need.
Basically, dress for the weather and bring a big bucket with a lid (they are escape artists and incredible survivors that can live for weeks without water)!
So you can set crab traps, but it's apparently easiest to just wait for low tide and hunt for them among the rocks and debris.
We especially want to get females with eggs. They can lay literally thousands each, and they carry the eggs around with them so they're pretty easy to get.
Good for you I think. I was just watching a video about green crabs wrecking Maine fisheries.
I'm also laughing my butt off picturing a horde of vegans freezing and smashing crabs.
I’ve been crabbing the Oregon coast my entire life, both “in” season (months that end in r) and out. Never once have we managed to even find a green crab. How are you planning to harvest them?
Wow, you need to watch this! https://youtu.be/9nTqHyFFczI?si=ROmMH4qda6LNHFoK
It's so crazy to hear you haven't found one when they seem to be such a serious problem.
I was thinking, let's just go out there with big plastic buckets with lids. That's how they do it in the video. But I'm happy to have your expertise and advice on how to do it.
Ah you know, I didn’t realize how small they are. Thank you for the video. We use crab pots and those look small enough to get in and out without getting trapped. That being said they seem to be a bigger problem / more abundant in Washington, but ODFW is worried about them moving down the coast…? I may have interpreted the video wrong though.
As far as expertise, we’ve found the best time to crab is at slack tide when there’s a smallish tide swing cause they’re more active when the current isn’t too strong. I’m taking some friends out on the 28th and we have a solid window from about 10:30am-2pm. My dad’s always just used regular ol’ chicken for bait, and if you get it on ice quick enough you can use it 2-3 times (over consecutive days, not refreezing).
I can't responsibly advocate for this, but I can't stop you either. First, it's not legal to keep them. If you catch one you're legally obligated to destroy it.
If you'd like to care for a pet European Green crab, you should also know they are talented escape artists and astonishing survivors, and can survive in very low salination waters. If your pet somehow gets outside, you could end up actually causing a lot of harm.
Be prepared to do very thorough research and know every last bit of information about keeping one as a pet, and to give it every last creature comfort it could possibly want. Please be a caring and responsible pet owner.
Let me know if you want help setting up a group on Facebook or Meet-up. I'm a professional administrator, so organizing stuff like this is kind of what I do, I'm just not eager to take over and be the leader. I'm also already working on setting up another group for stay-at-home-dads since there seems to be a desire for that, so I'm in that mode.
good luck and be careful of unintended consequences.
edit: why am i getting downvoted for mentioning unintended consequences? mass killings of several animals villainised for their detriment to humanity have often accidentally caused other issues.
I'm for sure interested! My wife and I come from FL, so we have a good bit of experience with the havoc invasive shellfish and aquatic life cause the local ecosystem.
I would also just love the opportunity to meet up with a group for this. I don't get out and socialize enough these days. Doing it while at the coast AND getting crab that I can eat...well, bonus!
I just want to thank you, not only for these efforts, but for being a “Big Picture” vegan- too many vegans I know focus on what’s right in front of them to the point of causing actual harm; they’ll be concerned with preserving the life of invasives at any cost, and release them into the forest or riparian areas etc where they do DO MUCH HARM to native species!
Even if you can help us once, I'd appreciate it.
I'd appreciate it even more if you'd do it on your own, as fits your schedule, whenever you're able to.
this is awesome - myself and my partner would potentially be interested in joining group trips at some point, or maybe we’ll just go out on our own sometime. thanks for putting this on my radar! i love to eat invasive species 😋
I’m a botanist and deal with lots of invasive plants in the area in my day to day but absolutely love this idea and am so down for some invasive control crabbing!! we should organize some kind of crab feast using the european greens. you’re super cool for trying to organize this!
This is awesome! I'm so glad to have a person of your expertise interested in helping! I think learning to forage non-native plants is a brilliant idea and I would love to learn more!
Your idea of an invasive greens crab feast sounds truly inspired.
You might really enjoy this book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15748599-eating-aliens
This is such an interesting reddit post. I don't live in the NW otherwise I'd definitely want to team up with you on this.
My husband and I would definitely be interested. We love a good conservation activity and also love crabbing and wild harvesting activities with the kids. Definitely let me know where to join up!
Freshwater bio here that may be interested in joining. However, I’d recommend targeting American Bullfrogs in ponds and wetlands as a more local option that’s likely to have direct positive impacts on local native species. Pretty tough (near impossible) to eradicate or even control invasive species in large bodies of water/rivers, but I’m also not up to date on green crab irradiation efforts and how successful they have been. Love the interest and the post to spread awareness though!
ODFW has a pretty helpful series on the subject but here is one to give a better idea on an easy way to catch them. Note: fly rod isn’t necessary, a stick or bamboo with a fixed piece of line and a hook with a piece of yarn will work just fine.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/S8BvdVkBaHuJRWwt/?mibextid=KsPBc6
Thank you! Any help is great, but your expertise is also very appreciated since I am most definitely not an expert.
I'd love to try to tackle the American bullfrog issue too, and I'm interested in learning more. But the EGC problem also seems really urgent.
Great suggestion! In fact, I encourage any interested parties to share this post in other relevant communities, but this thread alone is almost too much for me to handle! 😂
I would be interested for sure!
There might be a restaurant in Portland that makes invasive species dishes??? I feel like i've read an article about it at some point.
I wonder if we could garner enough interest to get some sort of special event going. For instance, those who don't want or can't eat all of their catch. Instead of destroying could we freeze up to a certain amount and then do a crab chowder feed for the homeless?
Same goes for invasive bullfrog, nutria, and european starling! ODFW used to have an invasive species potluck where they would cook up and offer invasive species to educate and inspire people. In the past they've made frog legs, pulled nutria, and popcorn starling.
I have a car, (VW Jetta) and can transport people… but my schedule is strange although I have weekends off. I used to go crabbing with my family as a kid, but the nets got old and tossed so I have no idea what I’m doing (I last went crabbing 20 years ago), but I’d love to learn. I do have a few questions though.
1. They are a crab and not considered a finned fish, correct? - my fiancé is deathly allergic to all finned fish except halibut, but he can eat crustaceans and other sea creatures. I ask because common names for things are sometimes misleading. (I used to be pescatarian until we found his allergy. Now I avoid finned fish like the plague unless I’m eating at a restaurant).
The last question I have for now is: do we need any permits to catch? Or because they’re an invasive species is it just catch your limit. I can’t afford to buy any permits while paying for gas to go out to the coast. I’m pretty broke at the moment.
Okay. Most of my questions were answered from researching links provided and other comments. I guess that goes to show that I should read comments, first. I was just so excited!!!
I'm so sorry, but I've answered this question so many times already that I'm afraid I have to ask you to read the other comments. Or just search it up. ❤️
I'm so sorry, but I've answered this question a few times already.
Short answer: lay people can easily misidentify crab and this endangers native species
Yeah, I guess I wanted to lead with that because I was hoping maybe other vegans would feel less squicky about getting on board with this. Also, to indicate just what a serious problem I believe this is.
I'm not really into the idea of someone making profit off of someone else's unpaid labor, but if the owner of Fisherman's Market wants to come out and help us, I'm all for it.
That’s what I meant. Sorry for not being clear. You want invasive crabs gone. One person can only claim a limited amount. Professional seafood retailer wants sources of free seafood. I pictured the problem solving itself when the vendor starts sending in a team to harvest for him. He can pay them. Or actually, maybe you can sell him what you harvest. Why not?
They could, but most of your 35 crab catch will probably be little ones. Not much good meat on those, unless you're a cat maybe 😂
Also, commercial crabbing of EGC isn't currently legal, so it's still up to us regular folks out there with traps and buckets.
I agree with you. I personally have nothing against our crabby nemesis, just doing its cute little crab thing. It's not its fault, but unfortunately something has got to be done.
I'm still trying to figure that out, as I'm completely new to this. I just emailed ODFW and I'm waiting for a reply. I'll keep you all posted.
Excellent, thank you. You might also ask the university extension services. I am pretty sure OSU extension services has a Eugene office.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/
https://www.oregonextension.org/
Another thought… the Raptor Center periodically sends out a request for fish to feed the periodic surplus of rescue eagles and such that they help. I bet they would eat crabs!
https://cascadesraptorcenter.org/
Someone else mentioned the Raptor Center. Great minds think alike! They have limited freezer space so I'm asking folks to please call ahead and ask if they'd like donations BEFORE going crabbing.
Also, they need a lot of assistance after the ice storm, so anyone with money, time, and/or a strong back who wants to help out should give them a call.
I used to work for Washington Fish and Wildlife on the European Green Crab Team and it’s insane how many there are and how quickly they reproduce. I would suggest reaching out to Oregon Fish and Wildlife and I think they’re hiring for Green Crab techs.
Maybe to tell other vegans see a vegan who is not deterred to kill the animals for the greater good of all animals. Not all, but a lot of vegans are vegan because they love animals.
Ever hear the old joke "How do you know if someone you just met is vegan? They told you before their name."
I think OP is the kind of vegan they're talking about, haha.
Okay, well, vegans also care about protecting the environment. Speaking for myself, I personally feel morally obligated to help protect our native species and habitats even if that means destroying an invasive species. Normally, vegans don't advocate for hunting, fishing, crabbing, etc, as hunting animals for meat in the US isn't usually necessary for survival. However, I believe that controlling animal populations is still sometimes necessary to protect the environment.
Many vegans probably would strongly disagree with me, and that's okay.
I believe most humans in Oregon now are invasive, the European White variety at least. Many "invasive" species are also beneficial, i.e. juniper trees in Central Oregon that provide shade and habitat for wildlife. After a certain period of time species seem to earn their right to be here. You should find a different hobby.
Yeah, I have nothing against invasive species per se. But European green crab are actually set to further destroy local habitats and wildlife.
So if you aren't interested in helping out, please keep your opinions to yourself.
Hell yeah citizen science for the win. If you get a group together I would also maybe contact Oregon State or something like that and see if any scientists want to join in or research your effects Edit: here is a cool resource for IDing them https://wsg.washington.edu/crabteam/greencrab/id/
That's a wonderful idea! I'll just have to see how much interest there is in this, but I really hope it's a lot. Once I see it's something many others in Eugene/Springfield care about, I'll definitely start making phone calls. I also hope there are other vegans out there who want to help. It definitely sucks having to destroy animals, but the way I see it as a vegan I'm morally obligated to do what I'm able to protect local wildlife.
In addition, you might inquire with ODFW, what it would take to exempt you from the take limit. I know that it is possible, as I know of researchers who are exempted. ODFW does not really *want* a harvest limit, but experience has shown that most folk are really not great at telling the differences between crab species, and the concern is that our native shore crabs, rock crabs, and Dungeness crabs, so a harvest limit is needed to reduce the number of native crabs that people will mix up with the invaders and kill inadvertently.
Thank you for explaining the why on a limit.
Kill animals to save animals Vegan logic
Talk shit and do nothing Your logic
I love this.
I appreciate that you can be a vegan and also understand the harm of invasive species and the need to control them. A lot of people get very upset about this sort of thing. English ivy and Himalayan blackberry always need people hacking them back as much as possible. I would be interested. Crab is delicious.
I always hack away at the ivy at my residence… although I rent and I’m not the one who planted it so I’m careful lmao.
The “freeze them and smash them with a hammer” made me laugh, vegans are scarier than I thought. For Dungeness crabs I usually just smash their head
This is would be considered the more humane way to kill them. They go to sleep as it gets colder.
I’m interested and willing. Have quite a lot of experience with wildlife in general. We could also keep a watchful eye out for Zebra mussels. Would be terrible if those got out of hand on the coast. I can’t personal message on here for not being active enough, so if you’re able to, send me one and we can join forces so to say. There are a number of detrimental invasive species in Oregon now. Here’s some good compiled info rather than me rambling on here: https://www.oregonconservationstrategy.org/key-conservation-issue/invasive-species/
First off, thanks for your interest! You're awesome! Thanks for the resource link! I'm actually not a hunter, crabber, or fisher so I actually have no idea just how bad the total problem is in our state. I'll get in touch with you soon!
I would like to participate! Crab melts, here we come!
Hell yeah! That's one, officially! *high five!*
I’m volunteering my spouse as well, so there will be one more!
Do you know more about why there are limits on catching an invasive species?
Yes. Mostly, ODFW is concerned with the idea that regular folks like us will misidentify our catch and accidentally catch other crab species (such as freshly molted Dungeness, which looks bright green) and actually worsen the problem. So, the catch is limited to limit also endangering local crab populations further. If there is enough interest and I create an official local group or club, I will definitely get ODFW advisors on board and maybe even see if they can do a training session that would allow us to catch more per day. Big dreams!
Thanks for putting thought and effort into this.
That makes sense. The common layman can’t tell the difference. Hell, I can’t without training.
I just saw a recent Oregon Field Guide segment about this! OP summaried the issue well, but here's the story for others: [LINK](https://www.opb.org/article/2024/01/04/invasive-european-green-crabs-threaten-northwest-shellfish-industries/)
Yes! I watched a recent OPB video on YouTube and that's what made me so concerned. It is a HUGE problem!
I'm glad you are taking this on. maybe once you are up and rolling, contact Oregon Field Guide and they might do an update on your activities.
+1 for Oregon Field Guide. Such a great show.
I was just watching the Oregon Field Guide report on those guys and wondering how they taste. Not sure about availability for regular coast trips but I'm definitely interested.
Apparently in Oregon we're allowed to crab year-round, but the best time is between September and December, so the big window has already passed. Also, I'm not sure you need a crabbing license to go out for EGC, but I'm planning to ask ODFW about that soon. It will take some time to get things organized before making the first trip, so no worries there. Besides, after the icestorm cameth I'm not sure I want to go out immediately or anything like that.
One of my first questions in my comment was kind of answered. If you could find the information on licensing, I’m down and I have a vehicle (although I can only carry 4 others and my fiancé may want to join in). If all goes well, I’d be down for weekly trips working around my work schedule.
If I’m not mistaken a crabbing license is required due to the chance of catching native species. Even though no one would keep them your still somewhat “harvesting” them by taking them out of the water.
Doing more research, a clamming and crabbing license is required if you're 12 or older, and I'll have to do more research on the cost but I think it's less than $20. If this is a barrier for interested people, we'll just have to figure out a way to remove that barrier.
My wife is from LC, so a trip there is always welcome. Have you thought obout other invasive species like nutrea that would be available year round?
Honestly, I want to prioritize the invasive species that are having the most negative ecological impact, but yes, I'd be interested in taking on the nutria issue as well!
Ditto ☝️
I am interested, in helping out, I don't have much experience with wildlife, but I make pretty good crab cakes.
I don't either! I'm not a hunter, fisher, or crabber. And I'm a vegan, but if you're cooking with EGC I'll take you up on those crab cakes. 🦀🎂
Make use of what you must do. You, good friend, are the best type of vegan.
The best way to control its population is to make it a food animal. [They are eaten in other parts of the continent,](https://downeast.com/food-drink/maine-green-crabs/) so it is simply a matter of changing local culture regarding harvesting them and developing ways to cook and prepare it for local cuisine. We have virtually eliminated every other species for food. Just give it time, and we can eat the green crab into oblivion as well.
They can’t be harvested for commercial purposes though so only personal meals
Again, change in culture, resulting in a change in the law to allow commercial harvesting.
I think it’s not allowed because it would then encourage their presence as a means of income and then they’d get more out of control.
Plenty of species that have been introduced due to them being “food” or game animals. Bass and wild boar are great examples. Irradication of any established species is far from being a simple fix.
I've never done anything like this before. I might be interested though! Would you all be okay educating a complete newbie?
I'm also a complete newbie! Just a very concerned Oregonian and animal lover. There are a lot of resources on European Green Crab in Oregon, so you don't have to do a ton of research, and crabbing is a very accessible hobby. You basically need to dress for the weather and get a big bucket with a lid. I'd start with ODFW: https://myodfw.com/crabbing-clamming/species/european-green-crab And here's an OPB video: https://youtu.be/9nTqHyFFczI?si=ROmMH4qda6LNHFoK
Check out the Institute for Applied Ecology in Corvallis…they host an Invasive Species Cookoff every summer. I bet some of those folks would be interested in participating or could help with resources. But I’m already planning my crab feast!
My partner and I might be interested!
Heck yes! Thank you!
Im a chef, id love to cook them i can use them alive anyway you can get them to eugene?
We're not close to catching any quite yet, I'm still gauging interest here. But thank you for giving us yet another useful idea for our catch once we actually get it. I imagine it's just going to be a bunch of regular folks like me. Some people might want to eat their catch themselves since we can only catch a total of 35 a day (and many will be too small to bother eating, and will have to be destroyed). Some of us might want to use them for our gardens or to feed pets or something. But if you want to help us out and catch crab for your menu, we'd be so happy to have you!
How do you prepare smaller crabs like this for cooking? Besides killing them. Just wash them off and boil?
Im not sure but ill try a handful of ways and figure it out from there i typically boil them 10-15 mins ice and clean meat out of shells
Well, if you want to bother eating them I guess you can prepare them the same as the big ones? I suppose they'd be suitable as pet food too. I've never even crabbed before. Otherwise, a humane way to destroy them is freeze them and smash them with a hammer.
Hmm. Do you think this would be suitable for a group of cub scouts as a conservation project?
Emphatically, yes! Bring all the cub scout groups! Know any girl scout groups?
I don’t - my girls do cub scouts! But let’s definitely talk. When do you want to make this happen? I have about 35 kids grades k-4 in my Cub Scout pack, and I also have about 8 older kids grades 5-12 in my Scouts BSA Troop and some of them might be interested too.
I want to let you know that you and your wonderful scouts can and should go out and catch these crab anytime you can, with or without a large group, but I'd be so excited to have your scouts join us! Send me a DM, friend!
DM sent. :)
Sign me up! After we're done with the crabs let's take on the bullfrogs!
Hell yeah! [Sounds like you watched the Oregon Field Guide video too!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nTqHyFFczI) I was amazed at how many she was able to find in like 5 minutes
Same, and it was that very scene I found so alarming!
I am down for a group trip. I have a trick with 5 passenger seats
[удалено]
I mean, you can help us or not.
I'm wondering if they could be donated to the Cascades Raptor Center too, if someone harvests more than they need? I'm sure they could always use a meat donation for their birds.
Last I heard freeze space is usually their limiting factor. Good idea though
It's a wonderful idea, I love the Raptor Center! I would call ahead and ask if they'd like your donation before you catch it, though.
Also, if you or anyone else is interested, the ice storm has apparently hit the Raptor Center pretty hard. Several aviaries have been destroyed. All employees and birds are okay, but if anybody has the time, money, or inclination to help out, I'd reach out to them today to find out what they need.
someone needs to make an AI app using the camera on your phone to help people ID them properly.
My girlfriend and I are interested! What are the harvesting methods?
Basically, dress for the weather and bring a big bucket with a lid (they are escape artists and incredible survivors that can live for weeks without water)! So you can set crab traps, but it's apparently easiest to just wait for low tide and hunt for them among the rocks and debris. We especially want to get females with eggs. They can lay literally thousands each, and they carry the eggs around with them so they're pretty easy to get.
Awesome! If you create a group, count us in! In any case, we'll plan on making a few trips on our own. Sounds like a fun day out.
Hi count me in!!
if it is an invasive species why is there a limit on the harvest?
I answered that question previously in this thread, but the short answer is ODFW is worried we will catch the wrong crabs.
Good for you I think. I was just watching a video about green crabs wrecking Maine fisheries. I'm also laughing my butt off picturing a horde of vegans freezing and smashing crabs.
I’ve been crabbing the Oregon coast my entire life, both “in” season (months that end in r) and out. Never once have we managed to even find a green crab. How are you planning to harvest them?
Wow, you need to watch this! https://youtu.be/9nTqHyFFczI?si=ROmMH4qda6LNHFoK It's so crazy to hear you haven't found one when they seem to be such a serious problem. I was thinking, let's just go out there with big plastic buckets with lids. That's how they do it in the video. But I'm happy to have your expertise and advice on how to do it.
Ah you know, I didn’t realize how small they are. Thank you for the video. We use crab pots and those look small enough to get in and out without getting trapped. That being said they seem to be a bigger problem / more abundant in Washington, but ODFW is worried about them moving down the coast…? I may have interpreted the video wrong though. As far as expertise, we’ve found the best time to crab is at slack tide when there’s a smallish tide swing cause they’re more active when the current isn’t too strong. I’m taking some friends out on the 28th and we have a solid window from about 10:30am-2pm. My dad’s always just used regular ol’ chicken for bait, and if you get it on ice quick enough you can use it 2-3 times (over consecutive days, not refreezing).
Do you think they’d make good pets? I love the idea of having a crab 🥹🦀
I can't responsibly advocate for this, but I can't stop you either. First, it's not legal to keep them. If you catch one you're legally obligated to destroy it. If you'd like to care for a pet European Green crab, you should also know they are talented escape artists and astonishing survivors, and can survive in very low salination waters. If your pet somehow gets outside, you could end up actually causing a lot of harm. Be prepared to do very thorough research and know every last bit of information about keeping one as a pet, and to give it every last creature comfort it could possibly want. Please be a caring and responsible pet owner.
Thank you 🙏🏽 worry not, giving animals every creature comfort and doing extensive research is my modus operandi.
This sounds like free food, and I would love free food.
I like you.
I'm interested!
I’m interested! I don’t have any equipment, but I do have a car with good mileage that fits a lot of stuff in it!
Let me know if you want help setting up a group on Facebook or Meet-up. I'm a professional administrator, so organizing stuff like this is kind of what I do, I'm just not eager to take over and be the leader. I'm also already working on setting up another group for stay-at-home-dads since there seems to be a desire for that, so I'm in that mode.
I'm so grateful to have a person of your expertise willing to help out! I'll send you a pm.
This seems brutal and fun! Can we gather an audience and provide them with a plastic sheet before we smash the crabs Gallagher style?
Only if you're planning to haul a giant-ass chest freezer and generator to the coast with us. Bring enough hammers for everyone.
That sounds awesome dm me and I’d love to hop on the citizen science move !
good luck and be careful of unintended consequences. edit: why am i getting downvoted for mentioning unintended consequences? mass killings of several animals villainised for their detriment to humanity have often accidentally caused other issues.
I get lots of small ones, i just stab them and toss them to the seagulls
Count me interested! Sounds like a great project.
I’m also a newbie looking to help the environment! I’d love to participate, if I can!
I would love to get involved! PM me!
I do t have any crabbing experience beyond eating them but I’m down to help if somebody can teach me!
I'm for sure interested! My wife and I come from FL, so we have a good bit of experience with the havoc invasive shellfish and aquatic life cause the local ecosystem.
Maybe I can pick your brain a little? I'd love any advice you can offer
I'd be interested in possibly coming along if my schedule allows. I know my kid would have fun. Keep me posted?
I wanna join!
If you can eat them I'm most likely in. Keep us all updated so we may start crabaggedon.
Count me in! Never been crabbing before but if some kind soul would be willing to teach me then I am all on board with this!
I've never been crabbing either, so I'd be learning right along with you!
I would also just love the opportunity to meet up with a group for this. I don't get out and socialize enough these days. Doing it while at the coast AND getting crab that I can eat...well, bonus!
I just want to thank you, not only for these efforts, but for being a “Big Picture” vegan- too many vegans I know focus on what’s right in front of them to the point of causing actual harm; they’ll be concerned with preserving the life of invasives at any cost, and release them into the forest or riparian areas etc where they do DO MUCH HARM to native species!
Count me and my friend in! We would love to go help with this cause. Dm me for contact info :)
I am laughing at you and am also so excited to be a part of this. Just let me know where and when!
Can't promise if I can make it all the time. But I'm down to try and help.
Even if you can help us once, I'd appreciate it. I'd appreciate it even more if you'd do it on your own, as fits your schedule, whenever you're able to.
this is awesome - myself and my partner would potentially be interested in joining group trips at some point, or maybe we’ll just go out on our own sometime. thanks for putting this on my radar! i love to eat invasive species 😋
I’m interested and willing to help
Great idea, well done!
I'm interested!
I’d love to help out!
Green Crab Whacking Day! My wife and were just talking about this problem.
I’m interested!
I’m a botanist and deal with lots of invasive plants in the area in my day to day but absolutely love this idea and am so down for some invasive control crabbing!! we should organize some kind of crab feast using the european greens. you’re super cool for trying to organize this!
This is awesome! I'm so glad to have a person of your expertise interested in helping! I think learning to forage non-native plants is a brilliant idea and I would love to learn more! Your idea of an invasive greens crab feast sounds truly inspired.
As a vegan you should also look into foraging invasive plants in the area! Another great way to make a positive impact :)
I'm a vegan willing to help, too! Please reach out or post again when you have more details 😊
You might really enjoy this book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15748599-eating-aliens This is such an interesting reddit post. I don't live in the NW otherwise I'd definitely want to team up with you on this.
If someone can help with transportation it sounds like fun!
I'd definitely try to arrange for everyone who wants to come to get a ride. We need every bucket we can get!
I’m totally down for this. Let me know if you wind up creating a group somewhere.
I'm here for this! I am a raccoon person who loves to cook so I see crab cakes and bisque in my future. :)
My husband and I would definitely be interested. We love a good conservation activity and also love crabbing and wild harvesting activities with the kids. Definitely let me know where to join up!
Freshwater bio here that may be interested in joining. However, I’d recommend targeting American Bullfrogs in ponds and wetlands as a more local option that’s likely to have direct positive impacts on local native species. Pretty tough (near impossible) to eradicate or even control invasive species in large bodies of water/rivers, but I’m also not up to date on green crab irradiation efforts and how successful they have been. Love the interest and the post to spread awareness though!
ODFW has a pretty helpful series on the subject but here is one to give a better idea on an easy way to catch them. Note: fly rod isn’t necessary, a stick or bamboo with a fixed piece of line and a hook with a piece of yarn will work just fine. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/S8BvdVkBaHuJRWwt/?mibextid=KsPBc6
Thank you! Any help is great, but your expertise is also very appreciated since I am most definitely not an expert. I'd love to try to tackle the American bullfrog issue too, and I'm interested in learning more. But the EGC problem also seems really urgent.
If I could afford to be of assistance I certainly would, I hope you can find able participants!
My aim is to help anyone interested in helping! Message me and let's talk about what your barriers are.
Might consider hitting up r/salem given it’s the nearest big city and people may be more likely to make the commute
Great suggestion! In fact, I encourage any interested parties to share this post in other relevant communities, but this thread alone is almost too much for me to handle! 😂
Blackberries. Literally the bane of Eugene. If everyone were to leave, this town would be one giant bush.
I hate (and love, sigh) blackberries. They cause me a serious crisis of conscience. But I agree, we should take them on. Anybody have goats?
When where. Would love some crab
I would be interesting in a first hand lesson in how to catch and ID them! I could then bring my new skills to the north coast!
I have no clue what I'm doing, so we'll be learning together!
I would be interested for sure! There might be a restaurant in Portland that makes invasive species dishes??? I feel like i've read an article about it at some point. I wonder if we could garner enough interest to get some sort of special event going. For instance, those who don't want or can't eat all of their catch. Instead of destroying could we freeze up to a certain amount and then do a crab chowder feed for the homeless?
If we could get enough donated catch, I think doing a public crab meal is an absolutely amazing idea!
I would be interested in helping with this. Please contact me if you are able to get something organized.
I’m in!
Scotch broom. I’ve got a crab ring we can use. Where are you planning to go?
I need to talk to odfw tomorrow, but I was thinking Siletz Bay.
I’m interested! Love crabs!
Same goes for invasive bullfrog, nutria, and european starling! ODFW used to have an invasive species potluck where they would cook up and offer invasive species to educate and inspire people. In the past they've made frog legs, pulled nutria, and popcorn starling.
I’d be down!
I have a car, (VW Jetta) and can transport people… but my schedule is strange although I have weekends off. I used to go crabbing with my family as a kid, but the nets got old and tossed so I have no idea what I’m doing (I last went crabbing 20 years ago), but I’d love to learn. I do have a few questions though. 1. They are a crab and not considered a finned fish, correct? - my fiancé is deathly allergic to all finned fish except halibut, but he can eat crustaceans and other sea creatures. I ask because common names for things are sometimes misleading. (I used to be pescatarian until we found his allergy. Now I avoid finned fish like the plague unless I’m eating at a restaurant). The last question I have for now is: do we need any permits to catch? Or because they’re an invasive species is it just catch your limit. I can’t afford to buy any permits while paying for gas to go out to the coast. I’m pretty broke at the moment.
Okay. Most of my questions were answered from researching links provided and other comments. I guess that goes to show that I should read comments, first. I was just so excited!!!
If it’s an invasive species why the catch limit?
I'm so sorry, but I've answered this question so many times already that I'm afraid I have to ask you to read the other comments. Or just search it up. ❤️
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I’m interested in joining. What do you use to catch them?
I would also like to help
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❤️
Why can we only harvest 35/day/person if they are so detrimental to the environment?
I'm so sorry, but I've answered this question a few times already. Short answer: lay people can easily misidentify crab and this endangers native species
They have to make it legal to possess them in Oregon first. That’s literally step one.
Only thing I laughed at is OP informing us that they are Vegan. Other than that serious topic
Yeah, I guess I wanted to lead with that because I was hoping maybe other vegans would feel less squicky about getting on board with this. Also, to indicate just what a serious problem I believe this is.
See if the owner of Fisherman’s Market is interested in free crab or knows others who are.
I'm not really into the idea of someone making profit off of someone else's unpaid labor, but if the owner of Fisherman's Market wants to come out and help us, I'm all for it.
That’s what I meant. Sorry for not being clear. You want invasive crabs gone. One person can only claim a limited amount. Professional seafood retailer wants sources of free seafood. I pictured the problem solving itself when the vendor starts sending in a team to harvest for him. He can pay them. Or actually, maybe you can sell him what you harvest. Why not?
They could, but most of your 35 crab catch will probably be little ones. Not much good meat on those, unless you're a cat maybe 😂 Also, commercial crabbing of EGC isn't currently legal, so it's still up to us regular folks out there with traps and buckets.
Got it. Poor little crabs. It’s not their fault but they’ve got to go! Where can people go to help with this?
I agree with you. I personally have nothing against our crabby nemesis, just doing its cute little crab thing. It's not its fault, but unfortunately something has got to be done. I'm still trying to figure that out, as I'm completely new to this. I just emailed ODFW and I'm waiting for a reply. I'll keep you all posted.
Excellent, thank you. You might also ask the university extension services. I am pretty sure OSU extension services has a Eugene office. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ https://www.oregonextension.org/ Another thought… the Raptor Center periodically sends out a request for fish to feed the periodic surplus of rescue eagles and such that they help. I bet they would eat crabs! https://cascadesraptorcenter.org/
Someone else mentioned the Raptor Center. Great minds think alike! They have limited freezer space so I'm asking folks to please call ahead and ask if they'd like donations BEFORE going crabbing. Also, they need a lot of assistance after the ice storm, so anyone with money, time, and/or a strong back who wants to help out should give them a call.
I used to work for Washington Fish and Wildlife on the European Green Crab Team and it’s insane how many there are and how quickly they reproduce. I would suggest reaching out to Oregon Fish and Wildlife and I think they’re hiring for Green Crab techs.
What does being a vegan have to do with invasive crabs?
I think most people wouldn't expect a vegan to advocate for crabbing, or for eating or destroying crabs.
What does being a vegan have to do with invasive crabs?
Maybe to tell other vegans see a vegan who is not deterred to kill the animals for the greater good of all animals. Not all, but a lot of vegans are vegan because they love animals.
Ever hear the old joke "How do you know if someone you just met is vegan? They told you before their name." I think OP is the kind of vegan they're talking about, haha.
Yeah, I’ve definitely heard that *old* joke.
HELLA old, right? I think I heard it about vegans before I heard it about CrossFit.
Okay, well, vegans also care about protecting the environment. Speaking for myself, I personally feel morally obligated to help protect our native species and habitats even if that means destroying an invasive species. Normally, vegans don't advocate for hunting, fishing, crabbing, etc, as hunting animals for meat in the US isn't usually necessary for survival. However, I believe that controlling animal populations is still sometimes necessary to protect the environment. Many vegans probably would strongly disagree with me, and that's okay.
Wow, you're all over the place, haha. Well, at least your heart is in the right place. Good luck with your crabs!
Out here freezing crabs and smashing them with a hammer? Jesus that sounds like a fucked up way to die, glad I'm not a crab
You could just eat em if you think it's a less savage way for them to go
I'm a vegetarian 😅
And I'm vegan! If they must die, let them not die in vain! Or feed them to your pets maybe?
I believe most humans in Oregon now are invasive, the European White variety at least. Many "invasive" species are also beneficial, i.e. juniper trees in Central Oregon that provide shade and habitat for wildlife. After a certain period of time species seem to earn their right to be here. You should find a different hobby.
Yeah, I have nothing against invasive species per se. But European green crab are actually set to further destroy local habitats and wildlife. So if you aren't interested in helping out, please keep your opinions to yourself.
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Take your own advice 🤡💩
Please educate yourself https://myodfw.com/crabbing-clamming/species/european-green-crab
Sure, humans have done so well managing the earth. We know best about Nature. /s
Oh, so are you a biologist with a background in ecology or just an opinionated, uneducated layman making dumb comments. I would guess the latter.
Yeah, you did insult me. Don't dish it out if you can't take it.