Dungeness Crab in the Salish Sea: Highlight Recent Research in Changing Waters

• Main Authors: Buckner, Emily, Earle, Heather, Whalen, Dr. Matthew, McElhany, Dr. Paul, Brownlee, Allison, Homerding, Margaret, Houle, Katie, Fisher, Mary, Sund, Daniel, Dimond, Dr. James
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Western CEDAR 2022
• Subjects: Pacific; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: https://cedar.wwu.edu/ssec/2022ssec/allsessions/451

Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) is one of the most highly valued marine species in the Pacific Northwest, holding economic, recreational, and cultural significance in the region. Despite its importance, very little is known about Dungeness crab recruitment patterns, population structures, and life history, particularly in the Salish Sea. In response to these knowledge gaps, the Pacific Northwest Crab Research Group (PCRG) was formed in December of 2018. The PCRG is a unique cooperative research group of representatives from Washington tribes, state and federal agencies, nonprofits, universities, and industry. This panel will provide an overview of the PCRG’s research priorities and highlight various recent research efforts, with an emphasis on monitoring and assessing the effects of changing ocean conditions on Dungeness crab populations in the Salish Sea. Topics will include larval crab monitoring, ocean acidification impacts, bioenergetic modeling, hypoxia monitoring, comparative genetics, and integrative science curriculum opportunities