Lummi Nation declares disaster after invasive crab arrives

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — The Lummi Indian Business Council has passed a resolution declaring a disaster after more than 70,000 European green crab — an invasive species — were captured and removed from the Lummi Sea Pond in recent months. The Tribe cultivates shellfish and juvenile salmon in the 750-acre sea pond surrounded by the most productive natural shellfish beds on the reservation. The crabs threaten hatchery operations, Tribal shellfish harvests and may have larger impacts if the infestation spreads. Lummi Nation Chairman William Jones Jr. says the appearance of the European green crab is a serious threat to their treaty fishing rights.