The Blue Crab From Z to AThe Blue Crab From Z to A

A Problem-solving Study of

the Blue Crab

(from zoea larvae to adult)

A Classroom LessonA Classroom Lesson from the from the

Mathematics & Science CenterMathematics & Science Center

Photo: NOAA

Map: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Blue Crab: a KEYSTONEThe Blue Crab: a KEYSTONEorganism in the bay food weborganism in the bay food web

Photo: R. Hawley

In this lesson you will:In this lesson you will:

Create a KNOWLEDGE MENU for the Blue Crab

Learn about BIOTIC and ABIOTIC factors on the Blue Crab Stock

Make a RECOMMENDATION to help improve the bay’s Crab stock

Callinectes sapidusCallinectes sapidus

Beautiful swimmer” (Greek)“Savory” (Latin)

Photo: Steve Szinski

A pugnacious, benthicA pugnacious, benthicaquatic crustaceanaquatic crustacean

Photo: NOAA

Male “Jimmy” CrabMale “Jimmy” Crab

Photo: R. Hawley

Female “Sook” CrabFemale “Sook” Crab

Photo: R. Hawley

Pregnant Female: “Sponge”Pregnant Female: “Sponge”

Photo: R. Hawley

A Unique Life CycleA Unique Life Cycle

Graphic: NOAA

Growth by 1/3: MoltingGrowth by 1/3: Molting

Photos: R. Hawley

Some Blue Crab HistorySome Blue Crab History

1870’s Soft shell crab industry – Crisfield, MD

1896 Mary J. Rathbun The Genus Callinectes

First Crab Pot – B.F. Lewis of Harryhogan, VA

Photo: NOAA

More Blue Crab HistoryMore Blue Crab History

1967 Founding of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

1982 EPA Report The Chesapeake Bay:

Introduction to an Ecosystem

2000 Chesapeake Bay Commission Bi-State Blue Crab Advisory Committee

Photo: NOAA

““Ain’t nobody really knows Ain’t nobody really knows about crabs.”about crabs.”

Anonymous watermanAnonymous waterman

Photo: NOAA

How much is too much?How much is too much?Will the Blue Crab go the way of the Shad, the Will the Blue Crab go the way of the Shad, the

Oyster, and the Sturgeon?Oyster, and the Sturgeon?

Photo: NOAA

““The Chesapeake fishery is The Chesapeake fishery is perilously close to collapse.”perilously close to collapse.”

William T. GoldsboroughWilliam T. GoldsboroughDirector of Fisheries ProgramDirector of Fisheries ProgramChesapeake Bay FoundationChesapeake Bay Foundation

Photo: NOAA

Graph:VA/MD Sea Grant

Blue Crab Today: 42 / 100Blue Crab Today: 42 / 100

Graphic: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Bay’s Last Major The Bay’s Last Major Commercial FisheryCommercial Fishery

Photo: NOAA

““If the blue crab goes, where If the blue crab goes, where are we?”are we?”

Anson “Tuck” HinesAnson “Tuck” HinesSmithsonian Environmental Research Center Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

ScientistScientist

Photo: NOAA

Your task today is to:Your task today is to:

Work in a team to complete your Knowledge Menu

Develop recommendation to help the blue crab population

Share your and support recommendation with the class Photo: VA/MD Sea Grant

Blue Crab Stations:Blue Crab Stations:

I. Taxonomy II. Behavior III. Habitat & Environmental Data IV. Anatomy and Physiology V. Life Cycle VI. Growth VII. Predators VIII. Economics & Other Factors

* 5 Questions at each station *

Knowledge MenuKnowledge Menu

Graphic: N. Hamm

Good Luck and Happy Crabbing!

Photo: NOAA

Graphics Courtesy of…Graphics Courtesy of…

Bi-State Blue Crab Advisory Committee Chesapeake Bay Foundation Maryland Sea Grant Smithsonian Environmental Research Center Virginia Institute of Marine Science Rhonda Hawley Martha Vogel Steve Szinski (Blue Crab Archives)

The End.The End.

Photo: NOAA