Diet of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) during range expansion in Great Bay Estuary, New Hampshire

Abstract

Great Bay Estuary (GBE), within the rapidly warming Gulf of Maine, has experienced significant ecological shifts this century due to naturalization of invasive species. The range expansion of the American blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) currently underway from the mid-Atlantic northward brings the possibility of similar ecological shifts. This study accounts recent trapping and diet analysis of C. sapidus in GBE. Diet is an important component of understanding how the blue crab range expansion may affect GBE ecosystem functions. Across all sites and trap types, 27 blue crabs were captured. Metagenomic analysis of shotgun sequencing techniques were used on the gut contents of blue crabs captured. Most specimens had > 50% Eukaryote sequences. Overall results of this gut content study confirm a mixed diet indicative of an opportunistic feeder. Using metagenomics to analyze the diet of blue crabs as they establish viable populations in GBE will be a useful tool for predicting how these range expanding organisms are interacting within this important estuarine ecosystem, which will promote sustainable development by informing end users who may be affected by these crabs to help them meet their needs in the present and future. This project falls within Global Goal SDG14: Life Below Water.