Clemson University researcher to lead future of blue crabs workshop

Published: December 30, 2010

BEAUFORT — A public presentation of Clemson University research on the future of the blue crab fishery will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, in Beaufort at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, Maclean Hall Auditorium, 105 Reynolds St.

Michael Childress, assistant professor of biological sciences at Clemson, will present his research on the ecology and behavior of blue crabs, including modeling efforts to help forecast future blue crab populations and locations.

Following the presentation, Childress will discuss the possible reasons for a nearly 30 percent decrease in blue crab landings over the past decade, whether the decline is temporary and if the decline can be reversed. The public is encouraged to participate in the discussion.

The research is funded by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in partnership with Clemson University. For more information about Childress’ blue crab research, visit http://childresslab.blogspot.com.

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South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium
The Sea Grant Consortium seeks to enhance the practical use and conservation of South Carolina’s coastal and marine resources to foster a sustainable economy and environment. The consortium is a member of the nationwide network of 32 Sea Grant programs sanctioned through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Sea Grant College Program in the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information about the consortium, visit www.scseagrant.org.