Assignment

Using your completed handout as a guide, choose one of the "What if?" scenarios below if you are not assigned one by your teacher.

What if...

1. Georgia experiences another drought and temperatures are warmer than normal?

2. Fishermen continue to trap in areas where the population is already low?

3. Because of the increase of bitter tasting crabs, there is no longer a demand for crabs from areas along the Georgia coast?

4. Georgia coastal areas receive above average amounts of rainfall and temperatures are cooler than normal?

5. Policies are made by the DNR that regulate the number of licensed crab fishermen along the Georgia coast?

Requirements

Using the information that you now know about blue crabs, answer the following questions in a brief paper (typed).

1. Predict what might happen as a result of your scenario.  In your prediction, use information from the online research to support your conclusions.  Discuss what might happen to the blue crab population, commercial crabbing business, and the local ecosystem and food web.

2. Answer the following questions:
Can it be definitely said that Hematodinium is the reason for the crab population decline?  Why or why not?  What are other possible causes and how might these factors act cumulatively?

What is being done to address the population decline and are actions being taken sufficient?  In what other ways could the problem be addressed?

Thank your for participating in this online webquest.  For questions or comments, please contact Laura Rowe.

Home

Introduction

Task

Resources

Teachers