Blue crabs typically linked to the mid-Atlantic have been found to appear in Maine lobster traps. According to scientists, this could be due to the warming ocean waters in the state.
Blue Crabs Appearing in Lobster Traps
The region of Maine is quite known for its lobsters. However, it has been observed that a different species has been appearing more frequently in the area. These blue crabs appear to be moving northward as the waters in Maine are getting warmer because of climate change. Scientists are trying to know more about how the blue crab's arrival could affect the traditional fisheries of Maine.
While blue crabs are known to appear now and then in lobster traps in Maine, their notable appearance in the area has happened more frequently in recent years. Laura Crane, who studies blue crabs at the Wells Research Reserve, explains that she could catch around two to three dozen of these crabs in a single week.
According to Max Burtis, a shellfish harvester, the arrival of these blue crabs could pose a threat, especially to baby clams and baby lobsters. According to Nicole Ogrysko from Maine Public Radio, marine scientist Helen Cheng recalls witnessing a blue crab eat a baby lobster in a tank for experiments.
Cheng notes that if this sight is a glimpse of what is happening in Maine Gulf, this would be quite concerning, especially if the blue crabs target the more undersized lobsters.
Burtis explains that there are possible benefits that come with the rising population of blue crabs across Maine, as these species are among the most valuable fisheries across the Chesapeake Bay. However, new commercial fishery is not something that everyone is open to.
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Blue Crabs
A highly sought-after shellfish, blue crabs typically dwell on the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Recreational and commercial fishermen typically capture them. These crabs are considered Chesapeake Bay's most valuable fishery.
Blue crabs are major benthic community predators. They consume nearly anything, including oysters, clams, smaller crustaceans, mussels, freshly dead fish, animal residue, and even smaller, soft-shelled blue crabs. They play a vital role in managing the populations of their prey.
These blue crabs are also the prey of several other species of fish. Large fish, some birds eat fish, and sea turtles feed on them.
Their populations vary remarkably as the years pass by one by one. Resource managers examine general trends in managing their fisheries rather than just focusing on the yearly blue crab count.
These creatures are quite sensitive to habitat and environmental changes. Several populations of blue crabs, especially those in Chesapeake Bay, have seen drastic declines in numbers.
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