ADCNR-MRD Blue Crab Fishery Observer Datasets (2015 - present)

Fisheries biologists from the Alabama Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources - Marine Resources Division accompany local trap fishermen on their vessels to collect data on catch of blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), twice per month for the duration of crab season. Data collected include number of blue crabs by sex, legal size, maturity, gravidity, shell status (hard, soft, paper), condition (alive or dead), and external parasites. Up to 20 representative blue crabs are retained by MRD for detailed lab examination, including size measurements (carapace width, carapace length, carapace depth, and weight), gonadal condition, and internal parasites and disease. Other laboratory data collected on representative crabs includes sex, maturity, molt stage, and parts missing. Hydrological parameters (temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen) of surface waters are also obtained during each sampling trip.