Information For
More Information:
  • Directory
  • Maps and Directions
  • VIMS AtoZ

rounded corner

Research Topics

Home » Research & Services » Topics » Blue Crabs

Blue Crabs

Blue crabs have played a central role in the ecology, economy, and culture of Chesapeake Bay since the colonial era.

Top Stories | Crest Articles | Adv Service Reports | Labs & Groups | SRAMSOE | Articles | Dissertations | Links

Top Stories

‘Ghost Pot’ removal program has successful year (April 2011)
Watermen haul up more than 10,000 derelict crab pots and fishing nets from Chesapeake Bay in the third year of Virginia’s one-of-a-kind Marine Debris Removal Program.

Survey shows blue crab population above target for third straight year (April 2011)
VIMS' winter dredge survey shows that Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population is at its second highest level since 1997 and well above the target for the third year in a row.

VIMS asks volunteers to help keep terrapins from crab pots (May 2010)
VIMS researchers ask recreational crabbers to install escape hatches that allow diamondback terrapins to escape drowning in crab pots.

Blue crab population booms (April 2010)
VIMS winter dredge survey shows a 60% increase in Chesapeake Bay's blue crabs since last year, reaching the highest level measured since 1997.

Crabber finds "true blue" blue crab (September 2009)
An unusual, all-blue blue crab arrives at VIMS.

‘Ghost Pot’ program benefits Bay and watermen (May 2009)
Virginia’s one-of-a-kind program to remove derelict crab traps from Chesapeake Bay yields data that will improve next year’s recovery effort and further reduce inadvertent trapping of Bay organisms.

Winter survey supports 2008 blue crab management actions (Apr 2009)
Winter dredge survey shows that bi-State management actions are having the desired effect.

Ghost pots (Sep 2006)
Dr. Kirk Havens leads a project to identify, map, and assess derelict crab pots and their impacts on the health and economy of Chesapeake Bay. 

VIMS updates Fishing Report (Dec 2005)  (pdf document)
VIMS researchers update their seminal 1997 study of how commercial and recreational fishing contribute to Virginia's economy.

Crest Articles

Rare crab may hold genetic secrets
VIMS researhers study a half-male, half-female blue crab whose genetic condition could help researchers better understand sexual development and breeding behavior in this species.

Researchers release juvenile blue crabs
VIMS researchers release 11,540 hatchery-reared blue crabs into the York River to enhance Chesapeake Bay's historically low blue crab stocks.

Advisory Service Reports

Latest Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee Blue Crab Advisory Report (2008)

Labs, Centers, and Groups

Special Reports in Applied Marine Science and Ocean Engineering (SRAMSOE)

  1. Van Engel WA. 1999. Laws, Regulations, and Environmental Factors and Their Potential Effects on the Stocks and Fisheries for the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, in the Chesapeake Bay Region, 1880-1940. Report 347. 89 pp.
  2. Lipcius RN, and MM Montane. 1999. Interannual Decline, Compensatory Exploitation, and Conservation of the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Population in Winter. Report 358. pp.
  3. Kirkley JE. 1997. Virginia's Commercial Fishing Industry : Its Economic Performance and Contributions. Report 337. 77 pp.
  4. Murray TJ, and WD DuPaul. 1981. Feasibility of Crab Meal Processing in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Report 248. pp.
  5. Zaborski J. 1979. A Description of the Commercial Marine Fisheries of Virginia. Report 233. pp.
  6. Davis J. 1976. Plans for Management of the Fisheries of the Tidal Potomac River. Report 117. pp.
  7. Burrell VG, M Castagna, and RK Dias. 1972. A Study of the Commercial and Recreational Fisheries of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Accomack and Northampton Counties : History Review and Recommendations for Improvements. Report 20. pp.

Journal Articles

  1. Hewitt, D. A., and coauthors. 2007. Direct and indirect estimates of natural mortality for Chesapeake Bay blue crab. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 136(4):1030-1040.
  2. Small, H. J., J. D. Shields, K. L. Hudson, and K. S. Reece. 2007. Molecular detection of Hematodinium sp infecting the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Journal of Shellfish Research 26(1):131-139.
  3. Brylawski, B. J., and T. J. Miller. 2006. Temperature-dependent growth of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus): a molt process approach. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 63(6):1298-1308.
  4. Lambert, D. M., J. M. Hoenig, and R. N. Lipcius. 2006. Tag return estimation of annual and semiannual survival rates of adult female blue crabs. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 135(6):1592-1603.
  5. Lambert, D. M., R. N. Lipcius, and J. M. Hoenig. 2006. Assessing effectiveness of the blue crab spawning stock sanctuary in Chesapeake Bay using tag-return methodology. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 321:215-225.
  6. Schreiber, S. J., R. N. Lipcius, R. D. Seitz, and W. C. Long. 2006. Dancing between the devil and deep blue sea: the stabilizing effect of enemy-free and victimless sinks. Oikos 113(1):67-81.
  7. Seitz, R. D., R. N. Lipcius, N. H. Olmstead, M. S. Seebo, and D. M. Lambert. 2006. Influence of shallow-water habitats and shoreline development on abundance, biomass, and diversity of benthic prey and predators in Chesapeake Bay. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 326:11-27.
  8. Aguilar, R., and coauthors. 2005. The timing and route of movement and migration of post-copulatory female blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, from the upper Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319(1-2):117-128.
  9. Lipcius, R. N., R. D. Seitz, M. S. Seebo, and D. Colon-Carrion. 2005. Density, abundance and survival of the blue crab in seagrass and unstructured salt marsh nurseries of Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319(1-2):69-80.
  10. Seitz, R. D. 2005. Introduction to the proceedings of the 2003 Blue Crab Symposium: Genetics, ecology, and conservation of the blue crab. Journal of experimental marine biology and ecology 319(1-2):1-2.
  11. Seitz, R. D., R. N. Lipcius, and M. S. Seebo. 2005. Food availability and growth of the blue crab in seagrass and unvegetated nurseries of Chesapeake Bay. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 319(1-2):57-68.
  12. Seney, E. E., and J. A. Musick. 2005. Diet analysis of Kemp's ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) in Virginia. Chelonian Conservation and Biology 4(4):864-871.
  13. Stentiford, G. D., and J. D. Shields. 2005. A review of the parasitic dinoflagellates Hematodinium species and Hematodinium-like infections in marine crustaceans. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 66(1):47-70.
  14. Brylawski, B. J., and T. J. Miller. 2003. Bioenergetic modeling of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) using the fish bioenergetics (3.0) computer program. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):491-504.
  15. Etherington, L. L., D. B. Eggleston, and W. T. Stockhausen. 2003. Partitioning loss rates of early juvenile blue crabs from seagrass habitats into mortality and emigration. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):371-391.
  16. Harding, J. M. 2003. Predation by blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, on rapa whelks, Rapana venosa: possible natural controls for an invasive species? Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 297(2):161-177.
  17. Heck, K. L., G. Hays, and R. J. Orth. 2003. Critical evaluation of the nursery role hypothesis for seagrass meadows. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 253:123-136.
  18. Hines, A. H., and coauthors. 2003. Evidence for sperm limitation in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):287-310.
  19. Lipcius, R. N., W. T. Stockhausen, R. D. Seitz, and P. J. Geer. 2003. Spatial dynamics and value of a marine protected area and corridor for the blue crab spawning stock in Chesapeake Bay. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):453-469.
  20. Peterson, C. H., and R. N. Lipcius. 2003. Conceptual progress towards predicting quantitative ecosystem benefits of ecological restorations. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 264:297-307.
  21. Seitz, R. D., and coauthors. 2003. Potential bottom-up control of blue crab distribution at various spatial scales. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):471-490.
  22. Seitz, R. D., L. S. Marshall, A. H. Hines, and K. L. Clark. 2003. Effects of hypoxia on predator-prey dynamics of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus and the Baltic clam Macoma balthica in Chesapeake Bay. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 257:179-188.
  23. Sharov, A. F., and coauthors. 2003. Abundance and exploitation rate of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Chesapeake Bay. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):543-565.
  24. Shields, J. D. 2003. Research priorities for diseases of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):505-517.
  25. Shields, J. D., C. Scanlon, and A. Volety. 2003. Aspects of the pathophysiology of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, infected with the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):519-535.
  26. Stockhausen, W. T., and R. N. Lipcius. 2003. Simulated effects of seagrass loss and restoration on settlement and recruitment of blue crab postlarvae and juveniles in the York River, Chesapeake Bay. Bulletin of Marine Science 72(2):409-422.
  27. van Montfrans, J., C. H. Ryer, and R. J. Orth. 2003. Substrate selection by blue crab Callinectes sapidus megalopae and first juvenile instars. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 260:209-217.
  28. Hovel, K. A., and R. N. Lipcius. 2002. Effects of seagrass habitat fragmentation on juvenile blue crab survival and abundance. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 271(1):75-98.
  29. Lipcius, R. N., and W. T. Stockhausen. 2002. Concurrent decline of the spawning stock, recruitment, larval abundance, and size of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus in Chesapeake Bay. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 226:45-61.
  30. Orth, R. J., and J. van Montfrans. 2002. Habitat quality and prey size as determinants of survival in post-larval and early juvenile instars of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 231:205-213.
  31. Hovel, K. A., and R. N. Lipcius. 2001. Habitat fragmentation in a seagrass landscape: Patch size and complexity control blue crab survival. Ecology 82(7):1814-1829.
  32. Messick, G. A., and J. D. Shields. 2000. Epizootiology of the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium sp in the American blue crab Callinectes sapidus. Diseases of Aquatic Organisms 43(2):139-152.
  33. Shields, J. D., and C. M. Squyars. 2000. Mortality and hematology of blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, experimentally infected with the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi. Fishery Bulletin 98(1):139-152.
  34. Pardieck, R. A., R. J. Orth, R. J. Diaz, and R. N. Lipcius. 1999. Ontogenetic changes in habitat use by postlarvae and young juveniles of the blue crab. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 186:227-238.
  35. Oesterling, M. J. 1998. "Blue" crab resources in other countries: Implications for the US industry. Journal of Shellfish Research 17(2):375-378.
  36. Boles, L. C., and R. N. Lipcius. 1997. Potential for population regulation of the zebra mussel by finfish and the blue crab in North American estuaries. Journal of Shellfish Research 16(1):179-186.
  37. Moksnes, P. O., R. N. Lipcius, L. Pihl, and J. vanMontfrans. 1997. Cannibal-prey dynamics in young juveniles and postlarvae of the blue crab. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 215(2):157-187.
  38. Ryer, C. H., J. vanMontfrans, and K. E. Moody. 1997. Cannibalism, refugia and the molting blue crab. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 147(1-3):77-85.
  39. Orth, R., and coauthors. 1996. Utilization of seagrass habitat by the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus  Rathbun, in Chesapeake Bay: a review. Pages 213-224 in International Workshop on Seagrass Biology.
  40. Pile, A. J., R. N. Lipcius, J. VanMontfrans, and R. J. Orth. 1996. Density-dependent settler-recruit-juvenile relationships in blue crabs. Ecological Monographs 66(3):277-300.
  41. Metcalf, K. S., J. vanMontfrans, R. N. Lipcius, and R. J. Orth. 1995. Settlement indices for blue crab megalopae in the York River, Virginia: Temporal relationships and statistical efficiency. Bulletin of Marine Science 57(3):781-792.
  42. Olmi, E. J., and R. J. Orth. 1995. Introduction to the Proceedings of the Blue Crab Recruitment Symposium. Bulletin of Marine Science 57(3):707-712.
  43. vanMontfrans, J., and coauthors. 1995. Settlement of blue crab postlarvae in western North Atlantic estuaries. Bulletin of Marine Science 57(3):834-854.
  44. Varnell, L. M., and F. J. Havens. 1995. A Comparison of Dimension-Adjusted Catch Data Methods for Assessment of Fish and Crab Abundance in Intertidal Salt Marshes. Estuaries 18(2):319-325.
  45. Varnell, L. M., K. J. Havens, and C. Hershner. 1995. Daily Variability in Abundance and Population Characteristics of Tidal Salt-Marsh Fauna. Estuaries 18(2):326-334.
  46. Olmi, E. J. 1994. Vertical Migration of Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Megalopae - Implications for Transport in Estuaries. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 113(1-2):39-54.
  47. Eggleston, D. B., R. N. Lipcius, and A. H. Hines. 1992. Density-Dependent Predation by Blue Crabs Upon Infaunal Clam Species with Contrasting Distribution and Abundance Patterns. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 85(1-2):55-68.
  48. Greaves, J., J. S. Rainer, and C. P. Mangum. 1992. Size-Exclusion High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography of the Dodecameric and Hexameric Forms of Hemocyanin from Callinectes sapidus. Marine Biology 113(1):33-36.
  49. Luckenbach, M. W., and R. J. Orth. 1992. Swimming Velocities and Behavior of Blue-Crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun) Megalopae in Still and Flowing Water. Estuaries 15(2):186-192.
  50. Metcalf, K. S., and R. N. Lipcius. 1992. Relationship of Habitat and Spatial Scale with Physiological-State and Settlement of Blue-Crab Postlarvae in Chesapeake Bay. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 82(2):143-150.
  51. Mothershead, R. F., and R. C. Hale. 1992. Influence of Ecdysis on the Accumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic-Hydrocarbons in Field Exposed Blue Crabs (Callinectes sapidus). Marine Environmental Research 33(2):145-156.
  52. Mangum, C. P., J. Greaves, and J. S. Rainer. 1991. Oligomer Composition and Oxygen Binding of the Hemocyanin of the Blue-Crab Callinectes sapidus. Biological Bulletin 181(3):453-458.
  53. Mansour, R. A., and R. N. Lipcius. 1991. Density-Dependent Foraging and Mutual Interference in Blue Crabs Preying Upon Infaunal Clams. Marine Ecology-Progress Series 72(3):239-246.
  54. Mothershead, R. F., R. C. Hale, and J. Greaves. 1991. Xenobiotic Compounds in Blue Crabs from a Highly Contaminated Urban Subestuary. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 10(10):1341-1349.
  55. Olmi, E. J., and R. N. Lipcius. 1991. Predation on Postlarvae of the Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun by Sand Shrimp Crangon septemspinosa Say and Grass Shrimp Palaemonetes pugio Holthuis. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 151(2):169-183.
  56. Pihl, L., S. P. Baden, and R. J. Diaz. 1991. Effects of Periodic Hypoxia on Distribution of Demersal Fish and Crustaceans. Marine Biology 108(3):349-360.
  57. Vanmontfrans, J., C. H. Ryer, and R. J. Orth. 1991. Population dynamics of Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun in a Lower Chesapeake Bay Tidal Marsh Creek. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 153(1):1-14.
  58. Eggleston, D. B. 1990. Functional-Responses of Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus Rathbun Feeding on Juvenile Oysters Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) - Effects of Predator Sex and Size, and Prey Size. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 143(1-2):73-90.
  59. Eggleston, D. B. 1990. Behavioral Mechanisms Underlying Variable Functional-Responses of Blue Crabs, Callinectes sapidus Feeding on Juvenile Oysters, Crassostrea virginica. Journal of Animal Ecology 59(2):615-630.
  60. Eggleston, D. B. 1990. Foraging Behavior of the Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, on Juvenile Oysters, Crassostrea virginica - Effects of Prey Density and Size. Bulletin of Marine Science 46(1):62-82.
  61. Havens, K. J., and J. R. Mcconaugha. 1990. Molting in the Mature Female Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun. Bulletin of Marine Science 46(1):37-47.
  62. Orth, R. J., and J. Vanmontfrans. 1990. Utilization of Marsh and Seagrass Habitats by Early Stages of Callinectes sapidus - a Latitudinal Perspective. Bulletin of Marine Science 46(1):126-144.
  63. Ryer, C. H., J. Vanmontfrans, and R. J. Orth. 1990. Utilization of a Seagrass Meadow and Tidal Marsh Creek by Blue Crabs Callinectes sapidus. 2. Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Molting. Bulletin of Marine Science 46(1):95-104.
  64. Vanengel, W. A. 1990. Development of the Reproductively Functional Form in the Male Blue-Crab, Callinectes sapidus. Bulletin of Marine Science 46(1):13-22.
  65. Vanmontfrans, J., C. A. Peery, and R. J. Orth. 1990. Daily, Monthly and Annual Settlement-Patterns by Callinectes sapidus and Neopanope sayi Megalopae on Artificial Collectors Deployed in the York River, Virginia - 1985-1988. Bulletin of Marine Science 46(1):214-229.

Theses & Dissertations

Suggested Links

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

The College of William and Mary
Gloucester Point, VA  Contact us.

© 2013 Virginia Institute of Marine Science
All Rights Reserved.