Japanese Hatchery-based Stock Enhancement:
Lessons for the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab

Preface

Maryland's research community has been involved with a wide range of issues relevant to the Chesapeake Bay's blue crab fishery. Over the past two years, these activities have occurred within the context of a heated public debate over implementation of new fisheries regulations in response to a declining blue crab stock. The focus of these research programs has ranged from understanding how the fishery functions to important aspects of the biology and ecology of Callinectes sapidus. A recent proposal to develop a large-scale release program of hatchery-produced blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay has sparked considerable, and at times contentious, discussions in the research and management community - particularly with regard to the issue of feasibility. One of the important benchmarks discussed has been the long-standing effort by Japanese scientists 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 different academic disciplines and institutions, and view the issue from different perspectives. They spent ten days touring facilities in Japan, and their observations are captured in this report. The team reached consensus on many issues and diverged in opinion on others. Undoubtedly this thorough and thought-provoking report will provide a reference point for continuing discussions both within and outside the research community. Maryland Sea Grant is grateful for their efforts and for their contributions to this important issue.

Jonathan G. Kramer, Ph.D.
Director
Maryland Sea Grant College