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Research Publications: UM-SG-RS-2010-24
Title:
Predicting effects of climate change on blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay.
Year:
2010Authors:
Hines, AH; Johnson, EG; Darnell, MZ; Rittschof, D; Miller, TJ; Bauer, LJ; Rodgers, P; Aguilar, RSource:
Kruse, GH; Eckert, GL; Foy, RJ; Lipcius, RN; Sainte-Marie, B; Stram, DL; Woodby, D, eds. Biology and Management of Exploited Crab Populations Under Climate Change. Alaska Sea Grant : 109 - 127Abstract:
Callinectes sapidus populations support fisheries extending over a broad range of latitude from the species’ tropical origins into the temperate zone. We analyzed latitudinal patterns of survival, reproduction, growth and maturation of blue crab populations in Florida, North Carolina, and Maryland/Virginia to project demographic effects of climate warming and certain other potential climate changes on the Chesapeake blue crab population. Field surveys and laboratory experiments indicate that harsh winters (<3ºC, <8 ppt salinity) cause significant mortality in small (10 mm) juveniles and mature females. Brooding in populations at lower latitudes begins 3-4 months earlier than at high latitudes, allowing more broods per season. Cold winter temperature also restricts the growing season and inserts a prolonged period of suspended activity compared to lower latitudes, where juveniles grow rapidly to mature in one season rather than two at higher latitudes. However, tethering experiments indicate predation and cannibalism on juveniles is muchhigher during the warm season than spring and fall. Although there are not clear trends across latitude, size at maturity is inversely correlated with temperature within a site. While small females may molt to maturity and mate sooner, small size increases vulnerability to predation and diminishes fecundity per brood. Thus, cold winter temperatures and a short growing and reproducing season restrict the species’ northward distribution from its tropical origins. Climate change reducing the severity of winters is predicted to increase winter survival and to promote rapid growth and brood production. However, warmer temperatures may promote increased juvenile mortality and may reduce size at maturity. Demographic schedules for fishery models will need to consider complex effects of warming.
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Featured Fellow
Leone Yisrael is a cephalopod-loving scuba diver, cook, and loves to try new activities. She conducts genetic analysis and fieldwork at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center through the Coastal Disease Ecology Lab.
Featured Research Project
Developing a habitat model for mysids, an important link in Chesapeake Bay food webs
Mysids are important mesozooplankton prey for many species of fish in Chesapeake Bay and are an important link in transferring energy from lower to upper trophic levels. Mysids also serve as biological vectors for benthic-pelagic coupling due to their diel vertical migration and omnivorous prey-switching behavior, which makes mysids important regulators of food web architecture. Despite their central role in coastal food webs, surprisingly little is known about mysid ecology and dynamics in Chesapeake Bay.
