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SUMMARY:Webinar: Research Spotlight: Managing the European Green Crab Invasion
DESCRIPTION:The European green crab is spreading rapidly along the Pacific Coast\, threatening ecosystems and aquaculture. In this webinar\, three experts will share new research on how we can better understand and manage this invasive species. \n\n\n\n\nAbby Keller (UC Berkeley) will explore how decision theory can guide when to try to remove green crabs—or when to adapt to their presence—as populations grow beyond control.\n\n\n\nMary Fisher (UC Davis) will present research from Willapa Bay\, WA\, using DNA metabarcoding tools to uncover what green crabs are eating and how their diet differs between aquaculture sites and natural habitats.\n\n\n\nRikke Jeppesen (Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board) will share findings on how native sea otters may help keep green crab populations in check in California estuaries.\n\n\n\n\nThis webinar is a great opportunity for anyone interested in invasive species\, coastal ecosystems\, and science-based management. This webinar is being jointly hosted by NAISMA and Sea Grant. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe transition from resistance to acceptance: managing a marine invasive species in a changing worldPresented by Abby KellerOften the pace of European green crab spread and establishment outpaces resources available for population suppression. When should a manager “resist” change by removing green crab or “accept” change by investing resources in adaptation? We use concepts from decision theory to develop a framework for navigating management decisions in this resist-accept paradigm\, highlighting scenarios when population control can no longer shape the invasion trajectory. \n\n\n\nWhat can diet DNA tell us about predation impacts of an invasive marine species?Presented by Mary FisherThe invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) has recently increased in abundance and expanded its distribution in the US Pacific Northwest\, generating concern for estuarine ecosystems and aquaculture production. However\, regionally-specific information on the trophic impacts of invasive green crab is very limited. We used diet DNA metabarcoding (“diet DNA”) to compare the stomach contents of green crabs collected on clam aquaculture beds versus intertidal sloughs in Willapa Bay\, Washington\, providing the first in-depth description of European green crab diet at a crucial time for regional management. We first identified 54 putative prey items using DNA metabarcoding of stomach content samples from 61 green crabs. Arthropods were the most frequently detected prey\, with the native hairy shore crab (Hemigrapsus oregonensis) the single most common prey item. We then compared diet composition across sites using prey presence/absence and an index of species-specific relative abundance. We found that the stomach contents of crabs collected from clam aquaculture beds were significantly different from the stomach contents of crabs collected at intertidal sloughs. For eight prey species\, we also calibrated diet DNA data to quantitatively compare DNA abundance between prey taxa\, to describe an ‘average’ green crab diet at an intertidal slough versus a clam aquaculture bed. In addition to providing timely information on green crab diet\, our research demonstrates the novel application of a recently developed model for more quantitative DNA metabarcoding. This represents another step in the ongoing evolution of DNA-based diet analysis towards producing the quantitative data necessary for modeling invasive species impacts.Associated paper (open access): Fisher et al. 2024. Invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) predation in a Washington State estuary revealed with DNA metabarcoding.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302518 \n\n\n\nRecovering population of the southern sea otter suppresses the green crab\, a global marine invaderPresented by Rikke JeppesenUnderstanding the role of apex predators on ecosystems is essential for designing effective conservation strategies. Supporting recovery of apex predators can have many benefits; one that has been rarely examined is control of invasive prey. We investigated whether a recovering apex predator\, the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis)\, can exert local control over a global marine invader\, the green crab (Carcinus maenas). We determined that southern sea otters in Elkhorn Slough estuary in California can consume large numbers of invasive green crabs and found strong negative relationships in space and time between otter and green crab abundance. Green crabs persisted at highest abundance in this estuary at sites with artificial tidal restriction that were not accessible to otters. Green crab abundance remained lower in this estuary than in all other estuaries in the region\, which lack resident sea otters. Conservation organizations and agencies have invested heavily in recovery of southern sea otters\, increasing their numbers in this estuary. Restoration of natural tidal exchange\, lost marshes\, and seagrass beds further support sea otter populations. We have demonstrated that these investments in top predator recovery and habitat restoration have reduced the impacts of a global invader. Our investigation highlights that investment in recovery of top predators can increase beneficial food web interactions and resilience of the entire ecosystem. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbby Keller is a PhD candidate in Environmental Science\, Policy\, and Management at the University of California\, Berkeley. She studies decision analysis and quantitative ecology. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMary Fisher is a postdoctural scholar at the Coastal and Marine Sciences Institute at the University of California\, Davis. She is an interdisciplinary marine scientist interested in how adaptation to climate change affects coupled human-natural systems. Her research has drawn on quantitative and qualitative techniques to explore trade-offs and unexpected consequences associated with climate adaptation in US West Coast fisheries. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRikke Jeppesen has a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from University of California Santa Cruz. She is currently an Environmental Scientist at the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board\, San Luis Obispo. Her green crab studies were conducted at Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve where she studied invasive invertebrates\, while also working on water quality research and large-scale salt marsh restoration projects.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/webinar-research-spotlight-managing-the-european-green-crab-invasion/
CATEGORIES:NAISMA Webinar,Webinars
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250827T150000
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CREATED:20250623T171006Z
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SUMMARY:Invasive Upcycling Summit
DESCRIPTION:Join Invasive Impact Initiatives and the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) for the Invasive Upcycling Summit—a virtual event highlighting how creativity and environmental stewardship can intersect to solve pressing ecological challenges caused by invasive species. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER NOW\n\n\n\n\nThis interactive summit will feature changemakers who are transforming invasive species into useful\, sustainable products by collaborating with local invasive experts. Along the way\, they’re also educating communities about the ecological damage invasive species cause and inspiring new approaches to environmental care and circular design. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re a conservationist\, artist\, educator\, or curious citizen\, you’ll walk away with fresh tools\, connections\, and ideas to reimagine restoration and resilience in your own community. \n\n\n\n\nAGENDA\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about Invasive Impact Initiatives at invasiveimpact.org. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpeakers\n\n\n\n\n\nLorena James\, Invasive Impact Initiatives\n\n\n\n\n\nLorena James is an ecopreneur and founder of Invasive Impact Initiatives\, a youth-led platform dedicated to uplifting and connecting invasive species upcyclers worldwide. Based between Buffalo\, NY – on Haudenosaunee land – and Charlotte\, NC – on the traditional lands of the Catawba\, Cheraw\, Sugeree\, and Waxhaw peoples – Lorena builds networks\, resources\, and public awareness to transform ecological challenges into creative environmental solutions. Through workshops\, toolkits\, and storytelling\, she amplifies voices in the invasive upcycling community—highlighting innovations from art supplies to regenerative materials. Her work centers on collaboration\, circularity\, and intergenerational learning\, fostering a global community restoring ecosystems and reimagining our relationship with nature. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoshua Ralph\, Invasive Art Initiative\n\n\n\n\n\nJoshua Ralph is a community-engaged eco-artist and facilitator originally from Treaty 2 Territory\, of mixed English\, Scottish\, and Métis heritage. Based on the unceded lands of the Squamish\, Musqueam\, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations\, they lead Invasive Art Initiative — a traveling project that transforms invasive plant species into art supplies like pencils\, inks\, soaps\, and paper\, intertwining ecology and creative expression. Their work\, rooted in caring for changing ecologies\, spans workshops\, field restoration\, and public outreach. Joshua has collaborated with numerous environmental groups\, facilitated public speaking events\, and gained recognition for innovative environmental outreach. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nErica Mulder\, Bramble Threads\n\n\n\n\n\nErica Mulder is the creative force behind Bramble Threads\, where she champions eco-art by transforming invasive plants into engaging\, usable crafts. Through hands-on workshops—like creating wreaths from native and invasive species—she educates communities on sustainable stewardship and local ecosystems. Featured in events such as the Eco-Arts Festival “Free the Fern\,” Erica highlights the beauty and utility found in overlooked plants like invasive ivy. With a passion for land-care and upcycling\, her work blurs the lines between art\, ecology\, and education\, inspiring others to reimagine nature’s resources and nurture a deeper connection to their surroundings. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJade Hoyer\, Colors of Home\n\n\n\n\n\nJade Hoyer is a Minnesota-based artist and educator whose practice engages social and environmental narratives through printmaking\, hand-papermaking\, and installation. She has explored the ecological and cultural implications of invasive plant species\, transforming them into papermaking fibers and art materials. By reimagining these species as creative resources\, Jade invites conversations on environmental stewardship\, colonial histories\, and human impact on ecosystems. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally\, and is included in collections from the Philippines to Brazil. As an assistant professor of art at Carleton College\, she integrates invasive upcycling into her teaching\, fostering dialogue at the intersection of art and ecology. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYolanda Barrios\, CONABIO\, Facilitator for Mexican Artisan Collaborators (XCAL ‘ ARTE)\n\n\n\n\n\nYolanda Barrios is a seasoned invasive species specialist at Mexico’s National Commission for Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO)\, with over 15 years of expertise in conservation biology and science communication. She holds a master’s degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Kent and has been instrumental in developing Mexico’s National Strategy for invasive species\, including the country’s first official invasive species list and a tailored risk-assessment methodology. Yolanda leads efforts to maintain and expand Mexico’s invasive species database\, conduct risk assessments\, and create educational campaigns—bridging government\, academia\, and the public to advance national and regional invasive species programs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlivia Beadell-Kaplan\, Inversa Leathers\n\n\n\n\n\nAlivia Beadell-Kaplan is the Strategy & Operations Lead at INVERSA Leathers\, where she drives the company’s mission to turn invasive species into regenerative\, high-quality leathers that heal ecosystems. From lionfish in the Atlantic to python in the Everglades\, she helps scale nature-positive supply chains that reward environmental restoration. With a background in economics\, strategy\, and cross-cultural communication\, Alivia blends business acumen with a passion for conservation to create lasting impact. Her work ensures INVERSA’s growth aligns with its core goal: transforming ecological threats into sustainable resources that protect biodiversity\, support local communities\, and inspire a reimagined relationship with the natural world. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMike Mitchell\, Pezzy Pets\n\n\n\n\n\nMike Mitchell is the founder and CEO of Pezzy Pets which transforms invasive fish species into eco-friendly pet treats. Drawing from his background as a fisheries researcher in the U.S. and Mexico\, Mike identified the ecological and economic challenges posed by species like the armored catfish\, lionfish\, and silver carp. In 2015\, he began collaborating with local fishermen and chefs to create sustainable products\, leading to the launch of Pezzy Pets in 2021. The company has since removed over 100 tons of invasive fish\, supporting biodiversity restoration and providing fair-wage employment in fishing communities. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSydney Rodman\, Green Revival\n\n\n\n\n\nSydney Rodman is the founder and CEO of Green Revival\, a company dedicated to transforming invasive plant species into valuable biomass for sustainable industries. Inspired by her early conservation work removing invasive plants from Lake George in Upstate New York\, Sydney recognized the inefficiencies in post-harvest practices and sought a solution to increase circular economy efficiency. With a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Rice University\, she applies her expertise to streamline species identification and coordinate logistics for proprietary manufacturing. Green Revival aims to solve the invasive plant crisis and serve biomass buyers by providing reliable\, local\, and cost-effective plant feedstock. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIvoRi Schley\, Co-Founder\, AfroAg Community\n\n\n\n\n\nIvoRi Schley is a fiber artist\, geographer\, farmer\, and environmental educator from Clayton County\, Georgia. As founder of AfroAg\, she centers Afro-Indigenous knowledge to reconnect communities with the land through sustainable agriculture\, fiber arts\, and environmental education. IvoRi’s work prominently addresses invasive species like kudzu\, offering workshops that explore their ecological impact while promoting creative reuse and stewardship. Through her programming\, she inspires cultural resilience and a deeper understanding of local ecosystems\, encouraging communities to transform environmental challenges into opportunities for renewal and connection. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAyurella Horn-Muller\, Grist Journalist\n\n\n\n\n\nAyurella Horn-Muller is an award-winning journalist and nonfiction author of Devoured: The Extraordinary Story of Kudzu\, the Vine That Ate the South. Based in Florida\, she reports for the nonprofit newsroom Grist covering climate change\, food\, and agriculture. Published by Louisiana State University Press\, her book explores the ecological and cultural complexities of kudzu\, including innovative upcycling efforts that transform one of the nation’s most prolific invasive vines into useful materials. By highlighting both challenges and creative solutions\, Ayurella offers a nuanced perspective on human relationships with invasive species and inspires new approaches to environmental stewardship in the American South. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWinslow Robinson\, fableForestry\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Winslow Robinson is the founder of fableForestry\, an organization dedicated to combating invasive forest pathogens in New England. Using drone technology\, hyperspectral imaging\, and behavioral science\, he leads efforts for early detection and management of invasive species. He applies advanced tools to provide targeted control methods. Beyond forest health\, Fable Forestry contributes to environmental sustainability by producing biochar\, a carbon-negative byproduct of its invasive species management. Winslow’s approach highlights how technology and conservation can work together to address ecological challenges effectively. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTarsh Thekaekara\, The Great Elephant Migration\n\n\n\n\n\nDr. Tarsh Thekaekara is a conservation scientist from India’s Nilgiri Hills\, with a PhD in human–elephant interactions and an MSc in Biodiversity\, Conservation\, and Management. As director of The Real Elephant Collective and trustee of The Shola Trust\, Tarsh spearheads The Great Elephant Migration’s groundbreaking upcycling work—removing the invasive Lantana camara from forests and transforming it into majestic\, life-sized elephant sculptures. This creative reuse restores wildlife habitat\, sequesters carbon through biochar production\, and supports indigenous livelihoods. Blending science\, art\, and community engagement\, Tarsh’s work offers a powerful model for conservation that harmonizes human needs with the survival of elephants.
URL:https://naisma.org/event/invasive-upcycling-summit/
CATEGORIES:Summit,Virtual
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