Are red rock crab native?
A. Yes, red rock crabs (Cancer productus) are native to Oregon. They are often called “Japanese Crab”; a misnomer that may cause worry among recreational crabbers. Red rock crabs are in fact a native species found in the fossil record as well as in Native American middens. They are an important component of Oregon estuaries and nearshore areas, and even function as a steward to the estuary by predating on invasive species such as green crab (Carcinus maenas).
