Research Publications: UM-SG-RS-2005-02

Share:

Title:

Winter distribution of blue crab Callinectes sapidus in Chesapeake Bay: application and cross-validation of a two-stage generalized additive model.

Year:

2005

Authors:

Jensen, OP; Seppelt, R; Miller, TJ; Bauer, LJ

Source:

Marine Ecology Progress Series
299 : 239 - 255

DOI:

10.3354/meps299239

Abstract:

We present a 2-stage generalized additive model (GAM) of the distribution of mature female blue crab Callinectes sapidus in Chesapeake Bay based on data from a fishery-independent winter dredge survey. The distribution and abundance of blue crabs was modeled as a flexible function of depth, salinity, water temperature, distance from the Bay mouth, distance from submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), and bottom slope for each of the 13 yr of data available. Depth, salinity, temperature, and distance from the Bay mouth were found to be the most important environmental determinants of mature female blue crab distributions. The response curves for these variables displayed patterns that are consistent with laboratory and field studies of blue crab/habitat relationships. The generality of the habitat models was assessed using intra- and inter-annual cross-validation. Although the models generally performed well in cross-validation, some years showed unique habitat relationships that were not well predicted by models from other years. Such variability may be overlooked in habitat suitability models derived from data collected over short time periods.

Open Access:

This article is freely available online. You can use the DOI number to find it through the journal's website or through a search engine.

Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s):

'Related Research Project(s)' link to details about research projects funded by Maryland Sea Grant that led to this publication. These details may include other impacts and accomplishments resulting from the research.

'Maryland Sea Grant Topic(s)' links to related pages on the Maryland Sea Grant website.

The Blue Crab: Callinectes Sapidus

An essential resource for researchers, students, and managers.  Get your copy today!

pile of cooked crabs