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

Dataset extent

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Author Jason Herrmann
Maintainer data@disl.org
Last Updated July 22, 2022, 22:51 (UTC)
Created July 22, 2022, 22:51 (UTC)
Content Create Date 2017-07-12
ISO.pointOfContact Mimi Tzeng <metadata@disl.org>
ISO.principalInvestigator Jason Herrmann <Jason.Herrmann@dcnr.alabama.gov>
ISO.resourceProvider Jason Herrmann <Jason Herrmann@dcnr.alabama.gov>
Place Keywords Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Marine Resources Division, ADCNR, MRD, Alabama Marine Resources, Alabama, Mobile County, Baldwin County, Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, Perdido Bay, Weeks Bay
Temporal Begin 2015-06-16
Theme Keywords temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, fisheries dependent surveys, crab traps, commercial fishing, estuary
Use Constraints Acknowledgment of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Marine Resources Division is required in products developed from these data, and such acknowledgment as is standard for citation and legal practices for data source is expected by users of these data. Users should be aware that comparison with other data sets for the same area from other time periods may be inaccurate due to inconsistencies resulting from changes in mapping conventions, data collection, QA/QC procedures, and computer processes over time. The distributor shall not be liable for improper or incorrect use of these data, based on the description of appropriate/inappropriate uses described in the metadata document. These data are not legal documents and are not to be used as such.
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