Commercially Important Meroplankton of the Lower Chesapeake Bay and Proposed Norfolk Disposal Site. I. Blue Crabs, Rock Crabs and Oysters.
Abstract
Peak abundance of blue crab larvae occurs in mid to late summer at the deeper channels of the Chesapeake Bay mouth and NDS stations. Although no vertical stratification was noticed for early stage larvae, a seaward migration is indicated. Larval development occurs offshore where megalopae concentrate in the neuston layer prior to re-invasion of the Bay. Larval rock crabs were collected throughout the colder winter months at the Bay mouth and NDS stations. Although peak abundances occurred in May offshore, larvae were also collected in early fall. The larvae tended to remain in the higher salinity and cooler bottom waters, as did the later stage megalopae. Oyster larvae tended to remain in the vicinity of the James and Elizabeth Rivers confluence and infrequently occurred seaward. Most larvae occurred in the plankton during July and August. In 1983, a bimodal distribution was observed with a second peak as late as September. Bivalve larvae were very abundant at the outer stations; however, declined sharply at the inner stations. Oysters comprised a significant proportion of the total bivalve larvae present at these inner stations. Keyword: Meroplankton.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA165416
Entities
People
- Arthur J. Butt
- Raymond W. Alden Iii
- Robert J Young
Organizations
- Old Dominion University