Habitat Degradation for the Blue Crab GK-12 Camp Wednesday, August 5, 2009 SOL 4.5, 6.7

Pollution & Water Quality Nutrients Nutrients Sediment Sediment Algae Algae Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen

Habitat & Niche Habitat Habitat the place or kind of place in which an animal or plant naturally lives the place or kind of place in which an animal or plant naturally lives Niche Niche function or needs of an organism in its environment function or needs of an organism in its environment Ecosystems are all living and non-living things linked to one another Ecosystems are all living and non-living things linked to one another Humans Humans

Sea grasses Make large area in shallow water = beds Make large area in shallow water = beds Protection/shelter Protection/shelter Food Food Sea grass needs Sea grass needs Light Light Water Water Nturients Nturients

Sea grass provides… Habitat (protection and a food source) Habitat (protection and a food source) Attracts many small prey for predators Attracts many small prey for predators Dissolved oxygen Dissolved oxygen Traps sediment Traps sediment Uses up some nutrients in the water Uses up some nutrients in the water

Eastern Oyster

Oyster reefs Filter feeder Filter feeder Particles, phytoplankton Particles, phytoplankton Forms reefs Forms reefs Builds up over time Builds up over time Oyster dredge Bottom of Bay

Oyster stress MSX (1959) & Dermo (1949) MSX (1959) & Dermo (1949) Singled cell parasite Singled cell parasite Sediment Sediment Nutrients Nutrients Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved Oxygen Healthy Unhealthy

Examining the loss of habitat Modeling Modeling Use real data (bushel of oysters and acres) Use real data (bushel of oysters and acres)

Blue Crab Life Cycle Out the mouth of the Bay In ocean Winds, tides, and currents bring young crabs into the Bay Need suitable habitat for young crabs

Crab Habitat Game Bushels of oysters Acres of sea grasses Pan Foam board – mouth of the Bay Box or foam support Pour baby crabs (sand) down the foam board

Where did most of your crabs go? 1. Into the tray (found no habitat) 2. Into sea grass 3. Into the oyster reefs 4. It depends What activities could increase blue crab habitat?

Help me! What can you do? What can you do? Why is that important? Why is that important?