The first discovery of destructive European green crabs at Annette Island is spurring action to prevent damage to Southeast Alaska’s natural marine ecosystem.
"Annette Island"
Evidence of invasive crab that could wreak havoc on Alaska fisheries found near Metlakatla
The crabs are shellfish predators, credited with the decline of the softshell clam fishery in Maine. They also uproot eelgrass beds, which serve as habitat for herring and salmon.
Ask a Climatologist: How does a hot Pacific Northwest affect Alaska?
There have been some pretty incredibly high temperatures recently in the Pacific Northwest. Southeast Alaska has shared in that, with some local, daily record highs.
Governor expands disaster declaration for Southeast Alaska to include relief for individuals
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has expanded the disaster declaration for the severe December storm swept through Southeast Alaska to include relief for individuals whose homes were damaged or destroyed.
Scientists look for invasive crab ‘fingerprint’ in Alaska waters
On the east coast, these hardy crustaceans are known as aggressive eaters and have meant millions of dollars lost in fisheries for clams, mussels and scallops. The crab are destructive to eelgrass beds, which are important to young fish. They’re also known to eat juvenile salmon and could compete with native Dungeness crab.
Southeast fisherman says he’ll donate a boatload of salmon to Metlakatla each week
Metlakatla fisherman Eldon Atkinson says it’s an effort to provide food security for Alaska’s only Native reservation.