Habitat Degradation

for the Blue Crab

GK-12 CampWednesday, August 5, 2009

SOL 4.5, 6.7

Pollution & Water Quality

Nutrients Sediment

Algae Dissolved Oxygen

Habitat & Niche

Habitat the place or kind of place in which an animal or

plant naturally lives

Niche function or needs of an organism in its

environment

Ecosystems are all living and non-living things linked to one another

Humans

Sea grasses

Make large area in shallow water = beds Protection/shelter Food

Sea grass needs Light Water Nturients

Sea grass provides…

Habitat (protection and a food source) Attracts many small prey

for predators

Dissolved oxygen Traps sediment Uses up some nutrients

in the water

Eastern Oyster

Oyster reefs Filter feeder

Particles , phytoplankton

Forms reefs Builds up over time

Oyster dredge

Bottom of Bay

Oyster stress

MSX (1959) & Dermo (1949) Singled cell parasite

Sediment Nutrients Dissolved Oxygen

Healthy

Unhealthy

Examining the loss of habitat

Modeling Use real data

(bushel of oysters and acres)

Blue Crab Life Cycle

Out the mouth of the Bay

In ocean Winds, tides, and currents bring young crabs into the Bay

Need suitable habitat for young crabs

Crab Habitat GameBushels of oysters

Acres of sea grasses

Pan

Foam board –

mouth of the

Bay

Box or foam support

Pour baby crabs (sand) down the foam board

Where did most of your crabs go?

1. Into the tray (found no habitat)

2. Into sea grass

3. Into the oyster reefs

4. It depends

What activities could increase blue crab habitat?

Help me!

What can you do?

Why is that important?