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Stage-structured matrix modeling and suggestions for management of atlantic horseshoe crab,Limulus polyphemus, populations on cape cod, massachusetts

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Abstract

The Atlantic horsehoe crab,Limulus polyphemus, is harvested by the biomedical industry for Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) a blood compound used to detect endotoxins, for scientific research on vision, and as bait for the eel and conch fisheries. They are also subject to sources of natural mortality such as consumption of eggs by shorebirds and stranding. Recently there has been growing concern over possible declines inLimulus populations along the east coast of the United States. We have used stage-structured matrix modeling to improve our understanding ofLimulus population dynamics in three Cape Cod estuaries (Stage Harbor, Pleasant Bay, and Barnstable Harbor) with differing harvest pressures. The results suggest that a low level of harvest is sustainable, particularly if timing and size-specificity of the harvest are taken into consideration. The model also suggests that efforts should be made to avoid harvesting crabs prior to sexual maturity, as the population growth rate is more sensitive to changes in survival rate of older juveniles than of other stages. The information the model provides could assist local and regional fisheries managers in establishing appropriate regulations for the horseshoe crab fishery.

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  1. Sara P. Grady

    Present address: North and South River Watershed Association, P. O. Box 43, 02061, Norwell, Massachusetts

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Marine Biological Laboratory, Boston University Marine Program, 7 Marine Biological Laboratory Street, 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

    Sara P. Grady & Ivan Valiela

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Correspondence to Sara P. Grady.

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Grady, S.P., Valiela, I. Stage-structured matrix modeling and suggestions for management of atlantic horseshoe crab,Limulus polyphemus, populations on cape cod, massachusetts. Estuaries and Coasts: J ERF 29, 685–698 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02784293

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02784293

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