Changes in Population Sizes ofHemigrapsus sanguineus(Asian Shore Crab) and Resident Crab Species in Southeastern New England (2010–2016)

Abstract

The invasion of Hemigrapsus sanguineus (Asian Shore Crab) has been of concern in northeastern North America since the late 1980s. A relatively long-term record (1998–2011) of density estimates in southern New England showed displacement of resident crab species at 3 locations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In 2016, I visited the same locations to estimate current crab densities. The springtime Asian Shore Crab density decreased at a coastal location, but increased at an estuarine location to >300 crabs/m2. Resident crabs Carcinus maenas (European Green Crab) and Mud Crabs in the family Panopeidae increased in abundance at all 3 locations.