Bioenergetics modeling to investigate habitat use by the nonindigenous crab,Carcinus maenas, in Willapa Bay, Washington |
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Authors: | P Sean McDonald Kirstin K Holsman David A Beauchamp Brett R Dumbauld David A Armstrong |
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Institution: | 1. School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, Box 355020, 98195-5020, Seattle, Washington 2. People for Puget Sound, 911 Western Avenue, Suite 580, 98104, Seattle, Washington 3. Agricultural Research Service, Hatfield Marine Science Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2030 S.E. Marine Science Drive, 97365, Newport, Oregon
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Abstract: | A bioenergetics model was developed and applied to questions of habitat use and migration behavior of nonindigenous European
green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Willapa Bay, Washington, USA. The model was parameterized using existing data from published studies on the ecology and
physiology ofC. maenas and allied brachyuran crabs., Simulations of the model were run describing four scenarios of habitat use and behavior during
a 214-d simulation period (April–October) including crabs occupying mid littoral habitat, high littoral habitat, sublittoral
habitat, and sublittoral habitat but undertaking intertidal migrations. Monthly trapping was done along an intertidal gradient
in Willapa Bay to determine the actual distribution of crabs for the same time interval as the simulation period, and model
results were compared to the observed pattern. Model estimates suggest no intrinsic energetic incentive for crabs to occupy
littoral habitats since metabolic costs were c. 6% higher for these individuals than their sublittoral counterparts. Crabs
in the littoral simulations were also less efficient than sublittoral crabs at converting consumed energy into growth. Monthly
trapping revealed thatC. maenas are found predominantly in mid littoral habitats of Willapa Bay and there is no evidence of resident sublittoral populations.
The discrepancy intimates the significance of other factors, including interspecific interactions, that are not incorporated
into the model but nonetheless increase metabolic demand. Agonistic encounters with native Dungeness crabs (Cancer magister) may be chief among these additional costs, andC. maenas may largely avoid interactions by remaining in littoral habitats neglected by native crabs, such as meadows of nonindigenous
smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). AdultC. maenas in Willapa Bay may occupy tidal elevations that minimize such encounters, and metabolic costs, while simultaneously maximizing
submersion time and foraging opportunities. |
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