Is crab your seafood of choice?  Are you concerned about the preservation and balance of coastal ecosystems?  If so, the decline of the blue crab population in Georgia's coastal waters may be of interest to you.

This webquest is designed to allow you to learn about the blue crab's habitat, niche, and life cycle.  You will also learn about the blue crab's role in coastal ecosystems and food chains.  In addition, you will research possible causes and factors involved in the population decline.

In short, the blue crab population has been declining in Georgia over past years, as shown by DNR records of the commercial fishing industry.  While over-harvesting has been a considered cause, scientists at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography have been researching a parasite of the genus Hematodinium as a possible culprit (below are stained blue crab cells infected by Hematodinium).

To continue, please click on Task.