habitat degradation for the blue crab
DESCRIPTION
Habitat Degradation for the Blue Crab. GK-12 Camp Wednesday, August 5, 2009 SOL 4.5, 6.7. Pollution & Water Quality. Nutrients Sediment. Algae Dissolved Oxygen. Habitat & Niche. Habitat the place or kind of place in which an animal or plant naturally lives Niche - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Habitat Degradation
for the Blue Crab
GK-12 CampWednesday, August 5, 2009
SOL 4.5, 6.7
Pollution & Water Quality
Nutrients Sediment
Algae Dissolved Oxygen
Habitat & Niche
Habitat the place or kind of place in which an animal or
plant naturally lives
Niche function or needs of an organism in its
environment
Ecosystems are all living and non-living things linked to one another
Humans
Sea grasses
Make large area in shallow water = beds Protection/shelter Food
Sea grass needs Light Water Nturients
Sea grass provides…
Habitat (protection and a food source) Attracts many small prey
for predators
Dissolved oxygen Traps sediment Uses up some nutrients
in the water
Eastern Oyster
Oyster reefs Filter feeder
Particles , phytoplankton
Forms reefs Builds up over time
Oyster dredge
Bottom of Bay
Oyster stress
MSX (1959) & Dermo (1949) Singled cell parasite
Sediment Nutrients Dissolved Oxygen
Healthy
Unhealthy
Examining the loss of habitat
Modeling 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 GameBushels 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?
Why is that important?