The factor most correlated with the recent decline in the annual blue crab landings is increasing salinity from drought. This project will identify the specific mechanism linking salinity to declining crab landings, and evaluate how this issue may be ameliorated by changes in current fishing regulations. Fishermen, resource managers and marine ecologists will all potentially benefit from increased knowledge of how drought will impact the future of SC blue crabs.
The first objective is to experimentally test three hypotheses as to why blue crab landings are negatively correlated with increased salinity. The second is to develop specific recommendations regarding the impact of disease, climate change, and current fisheries management practices on the future of the blue crab fishery. Finally, the PIs will present findings to fishermen, resource managers, and the general public through regular public presentations, State of the Basin reports, and a blue crab forecasting workshop.