Fish and Wildlife Research Institue Crustacean Fisheries Conduct Trap-Based Stone Crab Monitoring
By Florida Fish And Wildlife Commission // November 27, 2017
Researchers service the traps every two weeks
(FWC) – FWRI Crustacean Fisheries staff conduct long-term, trap-based monitoring for stone crabs. They designated eight locations along the Florida coast as study sites. At each location, FWRI researchers select four sites arranged inshore to offshore.
At each site, they set five standard commercial stone crab traps approximately 100 meters apart in a straight line, resulting in 20 traps sampled at each of the eight locations.
Researchers service the traps every two weeks by counting the catch, determining each crab’s sex and assessing individuals for injuries.
They also take measurements for carapace width and claw length, and determine whether claws are original or regenerated.
CLICK HERE for more information on monthly stone crab catch data.
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