Eyes on the Beach
Through Molt Search, trained community members contribute to early detection of invasive European green crab while also tracking native Dungeness crab across Washington’s shorelines.
As a participant, you’ll search for outgrown crab shells (“molts”), and report your findings through the MyCoast app or webpage. The timing and commitment is flexible; you’re welcome to search whenever, wherever, and as often as you’d like.
To get started, attend a free training led by Crab Team staff and trained local partners between April and September each year. These trainings teach participants simple, standardized steps for searching and reporting on the presence (and absence!) of European green crab and Dungeness crab molts. Specifically, participants learn:
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Background on invasive green crab in Washington
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Identification of native and invasive crab molts
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Molt Search protocols and hands-on practice
Want to see results from your searches?
Get Started With Molt Search
Joining Molt Search takes just a few steps:
1. Attend a training workshop. Held virtually and in-person across the region in summer months, each training covers European green crab invasion background, crab identification, and Molt Search protocols.
See the list of upcoming events below and sign up for the “Molt-o-Meter” newsletter to get updates in your inbox.
Have a community group that would like to host a training? We can support local group trainings as staffing allows. Email crabteam@uw.edu to start the conversation!
2. Create a MyCoast Account. This is where you’ll log your report, either via the app or the website.
3. Find a shore, set a timer, do a Molt Search!
Upcoming Events
May 30, 11am-1pm (Vashon)
Vashon Nature Center staff. KVI Beach.
June 3, 5:30-7pm (Silverdale)
Great Peninsula Conservancy staff. Clear Creek Interpretive Center.
June 4, 10am-noon (Mill Creek)
WSU Snohomish County Extension staff. Willis Tucker Park.
June 5, 10am-noon (Birch Bay)
WSU Whatcom County Extension staff. BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park.
June 6, 10am-noon (Burien)
Environmental Science Center staff. Seahurst Park.
June 23, 5:30-7:30 (Tacoma)
Harbor Wildwatch staff. Jack Hyde Park.
July 3, 10am-noon (Seabeck)
Great Peninsula Conservancy staff. A meet-up for trained Molt Searchers and newbies alike.
In the News
Read news articles about how Molt Search has impacted communities across Washington.
Molt-O-Meter
Keep up to date with Molt Search news by signing up for this monthly email newsletter.
Molt Search Toolkit
Access the resources needed to participate in Molt Search including ID guides and detailed protocol.
The program is a collaboration between Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University Extension. Molt Search activities are permitted in Washington State Parks under Scientific Research Permit #230603