Engaging the importance of community scientists in the management of an invasive marine pest

• Published in: Berkeley undergraduate journal of classics Vol. 75; no. 1; pp. 40 - 45
• Main Authors: Grosholz, Edwin, Drill, Sabrina, McCann, Linda, Bimrose, Kate
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berkeley Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the University of California 01.03.2021; University of California Digital Library - eScholarship; University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Subjects: Carcinus maenas; Coastal ecosystems; Coastal management; Estuaries; Habitat improvement; Indigenous species; Native species; Pests; Population characteristics; Scientists; Shellfish; Threatened species; Wildlife conservation; California
• ISSN: 0008-0845; 2160-8091; 2373-7115
• DOI: 10.3733/ca.2021a0006

The introduction of nonnative invasive pests is among the many threats facing coastal ecosystems worldwide. Managing these pests often requires considerable effort and resources, and community scientists can be essential for providing the capacity needed for management and monitoring activities. In response to the invasion of a Northern California estuary by the predatory European green crab, a collaborative team of academic researchers and community scientists initiated a local eradication program. The green crab is listed among the world's 100 worst invaders, and threatened both native species and commercial shellfisheries. The program dramatically reduced the green crab population over a 5-year period, but it rebounded, which necessitated a switch in project goals from eradication to population suppression. Community scientists were essential for facilitating this switch by providing the necessary capacity to quantify population characteristics and maintain reduced crab populations. The result was a sustainable program that successfully maintained low green crab densities, which will likely improve habitat for native species.