Jackson Estuarine Laboratory
Experimental assessment of gull perdation on the Jonah crab, Cancer boriealis (Stimpson) in New England rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones
Abstract
Predation by the Herring Gull Larus argentatus (Coues) and the Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (Linnaeus) on adult Jonah crabs Cancer borealis (Stimpson) was examined using exclusion cages at two rocky-shore sites on the coast of New Hampshire, USA. During the summer of 1990, crabs were tethered in exclusion and control replicates ,and survival monitored over two daytime low tides. Exclusion of gulls significantly enhanced crab survival, especially in lower tidal zones, and survival was higher overall during spring tides. The use of algal and crevice refuges significantly enhanced survival of crabs, especially at one site. Gulls may significantly depress densities of crabs in tidal zones accessible to them, limit the upper distribution of subtidal invertebrate species and influence the organization of intertidal communities.
Publication Date
5-27-1992
Journal Title
Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Publisher
Elsevier
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Good, T. 1992. Experimental assessment of gull perdation on the Jonah crab, Cancer boriealis (Stimpson) in New England rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 1-10.