Bioenergetics of blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) to inform estimation of release density for stock enhancement
Emily J. Junk A B , James A. Smith A C , Iain M. Suthers A B and Matthew D. Taylor
A B D E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Chowder Bay Road, Mosman, NSW 2088, Australia.
C Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
D Port Stephens Fisheries Institute, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Taylors Beach Road, Taylors Beach, NSW 2316, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: matt.taylor@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 72(9) 1375-1386 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF20363
Submitted: 15 December 2020 Accepted: 2 April 2021 Published: 12 May 2021
Abstract
Stock enhancement is a contemporary management method employed to support fisheries productivity. Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) is a widely distributed species that has been identified as a candidate for stock enhancement; however, the release strategy and ecological impact of releases have not yet been assessed. Here, we (1) quantify the bioenergetics of blue swimmer crab, (2) estimate consumption rates, and (3) develop these relationships in a stocking model to assess appropriate release densities and associated trophic impacts. Static respirometry was used to measure the resting metabolic rate (RMR) of blue swimmer crab at three temperatures (19, 24, and 29°C). RMR was found to increase with temperature (Q10 = 2.32), and was 73% higher when crabs were at a premoult or moulting stage. Parameters derived from respirometry experiments were applied to estimate blue swimmer crab stocking density in a south-eastern Australian estuary, by adapting an existing production-based simulation model. The model estimated a median stocking density of ~1.2 crabs per 100 m2. A sensitivity analysis showed that the growth rate was the most influential parameter in this model, showing the importance of this parameter when assessing stocking scenarios.
Keywords: consumption, respirometry, stocking density, invertebrate stocking model, net ecosystem metabolism, Penaeus, Scylla.
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