Distribution of Larval Dungeness crabs in Glacier Bay, Southeastern Alaska

Abstract

Adult Dungeness crabs are restricted primarily in the lower part of Glacier Bay, Alaska, but the interaction of larval dispersion and adult distribution is unknown. To understand the larval occurrence in the upper part of Glacier Bay, Dungeness crab larvae, sea surface temperature (SST), and sea surface salinity (SSS) were collected at 16 near-shore and 12 mid-channel stations in Glacier Bay, southeastern Alaska during six sampling periods from March through August 2000. Each station was visited from one to five times during the entire sampling period. Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to contour SST and SSS distribution in Glacier Bay. Seven to 27 stations were visited during each sampling period. Most larvae (85% were zoeae I) occurred during May 31 to June 14, 2000. Larval density varied from none to between stations. A few later stage larvae occurred during later sampling periods. Overall, no relationship between larval densities, and SSS, and SST existed. Larvae occurring in the upper bay were probably transported by tidal currents from the lower bay; adult Dungeness crabs in Glacier Bay have a relatively high density near the mouth of the bay but decrease sharply around 40km north of the mouth. The lack of adult crabs in the upper 60km of the bay may be related to lower salinity, resulting in sharp haloclines, or colder temperatures which are not conducive to survival or growth of either larvae or adults.