OLYMPIA, Wash. – So-called murder hornets have not been seen in our area this year, so you might want to turn your attention toward another invasive species.

European green crabs are a growing threat to local marine ecosystems and fisheries and the public is being enlisted in a new program to monitor them.

Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University Extension are launching a green crab molt search.

Molts are the shells left behind after crabs have outgrown and shed them, and their presence can serve as an early indicator of crabs in an area.

The agencies are conducting a molt training for volunteers via Zoom on Wednesday, August 23rd.

They will also organize in-person “Molt-Blitz” events on beaches around the region through September.