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
Top Related