Submitted by: Kristafer Howard Savannah State University Kristaferhoward@gmail.com
Abstract:
The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishery is a staple fishery for the state of Georgia. Commercial crabbing is the third largest fishery in the state, and recreational crabbing is a popular pastime among residents. The Maryland-style four-funnel crab pot is a popular choice for crabbers due to its passive and efficient ability to collect blue crabs. A drawback of this trap style is that the potential for bycatch is relatively high compared to other capture methods. The diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin is an estuarine turtle native to the east coast of the United States. Diamondback terrapin is listed as a species of concern in Georgia and are commonly caught as bycatch in crab pots. The present study aims to determine if bycatch reduction devices designed for diamondback terrapin significantly affect the catch of legal-sized blue crab. Field and laboratory studies were conducted to test the effectiveness of two bycatch reduction devices of different sizes. The first BRD is a smaller design with the dimensions of 5.1-6.4 cm x 7.5 cm, and the second is a larger design that is 5.1 cm x 15.2 cm. During a field study conducted from April 20, 2021, to June 18, 2021, a total of 347 blue crabs were captured, and neither bycatch reduction device had a significant effect (p>0.05) on carapace width and length of legal-sized blue crab caught. However, both BRDs significantly (p<0.05) lowered the catch per unit effort of legal-sized blue crab. The lab study consisted of four trials, and the BRD with the larger opening (B) significantly affected (p<.05) the mean number of blue crabs that entered the trap. The smaller BRD (A) had no significant effect on the size of blue crab captured in the field and no significant effect on passage rate in the lab, suggesting that BRD A can be a viable option to reduce the bycatch of diamondback terrapin in Georgia waters.
Primary Session Choice: SS001 ASLO Multicultural Program Student Symposium
Authors:
Kristafer Howard, Savannah State University (Kristaferhoward@gmail.com)
The Effect of Terrapin Excluder Devices on blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) Catch in Georgia Waters.
Category
Scientific Sessions > SS001 ASLO Multicultural Program Student Symposium
Description
Preference: Poster