Invasion of the Shore: Evaluating Population Dynamics of Asian Shore Crab in an Urban Harbor

Presenter

Anne Pierre

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Ayodele C. O'Uhuru, Department of Environmental Conservation, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A65, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 4 (A61-A80) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

Asian shore crab (ASC, Hemigrapsus sanguines), is an East Asian species that has become invasive in the Northeast region since arriving in the 1980’s. With high rates of reproduction, a wide-ranging appetite, and rapid growing population, this species has become a threat to coastal ecosystems. ASC was first found in the Boston Harbor in 2000 (Deer Peninsula) and continues to spread there, however, there has not been a comprehensive survey to fully describe its current abundance and distribution across the various islands. In summer 2023, I surveyed 5 islands (Gallops, Georges, Peddocks, Lovells and Thompson) to determine the population dynamics (abundance, distribution, sex ratio, and sizes) of ASC. I used two methods: 1) banded transect surveys, where I walked a transect line, turning over rocks and macroalgae to hand collect individuals, and 2) baited traps soaked over two tidal cycles. I found crabs to significantly differ in abundance across islands with the greatest total abundance on Gallops and Peddocks Island (n = 1,625 and 1,568, respectively) and the lowest on Lovells Island (n = 304) (p = 0.01). Crab size also varied significantly by island, with more smaller crabs found on Gallops (319 ± 73,  p = 0.001; crab size: 10.75mm ± 1.95mm) and mid-sized crabs dominating Peddocks (199 ± 83, p = 0.04; crab size: 16.06mm ± 1.54mm). Given this species’ broad environmental tolerance and wide dietary preferences, population monitoring should be continued and impacts to local biodiversity assessed.

Keywords

Invasive Species, Control and Management , Invertebrate , Coastal

Research Area

Biological Organisms

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