Clallam MRC weighs joining Northwest Straits coordinated green crab molt-search; members want clearer data sharing and funding plan

The Northwest Straits Commission has floated a conceptual regional program to search for green crab molts and asked member MRCs whether they would participate in one or two coordinated molt-search events per year. The Commission’s inquiry, presented to the Clallam County Marine Resources Committee, currently lacks dedicated funding; members said they would consider participation only if coordination and data-sharing arrangements are clarified.

Alan Clark (vice chair) summarized the proposal as a low‑commitment, volunteer‑driven program intended to move beyond trapping to document where green crab populations are growing. “If there's enough interest, I will attach it to an email and send it to Chase and she can send it out,” Alan said, describing the concept as conceptual and dependent on MRC interest and resources.

Committee members pressed for clarity on how the proposed effort would integrate with existing Sea Grant trapping programs and other regional efforts. Jeff Ward asked whether the molt search would duplicate Sea Grant work, and members repeatedly raised the need for a single data repository so local volunteers’ observations, molt searches and trapping results are not fragmented. One member noted the value of consolidating historical kelp and monitoring data to allow long-term comparisons.

The committee did not make a formal commitment. Members suggested Northwest Straits should return with a written plan that clarifies funding, roles, and data management before individual MRCs decide whether to participate.