New tool for monitoring green crab

Development of an eDNA assay for invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) and implementation in a citizen science monitoring program

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.

Principal Investigator

P. Sean McDonald, University of Washington, Program on the Environment

Co-Principal Investigators

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

Project

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.