New tool for monitoring green crab
Researchers will develop an environmental DNA assay tool to identify the invasive European green crab, which will be used by a citizen science program to support monitoring efforts.
P. Sean McDonald, University of Washington, Program on the Environment
Sarah Brown, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Emily Grason, Washington Sea Grant
Ryan Kelly, University of Washington, School of Marine and Environmental Affairs
Todd Seamons, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Researchers will develop an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay tool to detect the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas). The tool will then be used by a citizen science team that monitors green crab in Washington waters. After developing the assay, the researchers will measure its detection limits in a laboratory experiment and then determine its detection range in field tests. In the last step, they will develop a guide for using the assay tool, which will be tested via a citizen science simulation experiment. This research tool will aid in detection efforts and engage community members in invasive species management.