Life history, ecology and stock assessment of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus of the United States Atlantic Coast - a review

Authors

Robert E. Harris, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Files

Document Type

Book Chapter

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Editors

Harriet M. Perry and W. A. Van Engel.

Publication Date

1982

Book Title

Proceedings of the Blue Crab Colloquium

Publisher

Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission

City

Ocean Springs, Miss

Abstract

The blue crab is found along the Atlantic coast of the United States from Maine to southern Florida. It is uncommon north of Cape Cod and is most abundant in the Chesapeake Bay where almost half of the United States commercial blue crab landings occur.

The Chesapeake Bay has the largest semi-confined area for blue crab spawning, more nursery area and probably the best mix of environmental conditions for blue crab along the United States eastern coast. In addition, an intensive commercial fishery enables the Chesapeake Bay region to be the area of highest blue crab production.

There are many basic similarities in the life history of the blue crab all along the Atlantic coast. Some differences do occur, however, in timing of some of the life processes, probably due to the different temperature regimes that exist along the coast.

Keywords

Callinectes -- Congresses

Publication Statement

Contribution (Virginia Institute of Marine Science) no. 1011

Recommended Citation

Harris, Robert E., "Life history, ecology and stock assessment of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus of the United States Atlantic Coast - a review" (1982). VIMS Books and Book Chapters. 93.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/93