Blue Crab Stock Enhancement Lessons

Considerable attention has been paid to the concept of controlled propagation of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) and the potential for stock enhancement. The feasibility of such endeavors has led to wide ranging debates that have resonated through the academic and management communities and has sparked strong interest from the general public and press.

One of the important benchmarks cited in discussions has been the effort by Japanese scientists stemming from the 1960s, to cultivate crab species and enhance natural populations. Given the importance of the Japanese experience, Maryland Sea Grant provided funding for three scientists to visit Japan in August 2001. The members of the team were drawn from very different academic disciplines and institutions and viewed the issue from very different perspectives. They spent ten days touring facilities in Japan. The results of their trip can be found in the Maryland Sea Grant report:

Japanese Hatchery-based Stock Enhancement: Lessons for the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab David H. Secor, Anson H. Hines and Allen R. Place The report may be viewed directly or downloaded as a pdf file. It is also available upon request directly from Maryland Sea Grant. Their report is thorough and thought provoking and will provide a reference point for continuing discussions both within and outside the research community. Maryland Sea Grant Publication Number UM-SG-TS-2002-02 September 2002 Cover photo from Japan Sea Farming Association