Brandon Henry: Studying blue crabs in Casco Bay

Warming temperatures have attracted blue crabs to the Gulf of Maine, and their aggressive nature is harmful to native bivalves that are essential to Maine fisheries. 

Brandon Henry, a graduate student involved in Maine EPSCoR’s environmental DNA, or eDNA, initiative, is researching the novel emergence of blue crabs along the coast of Maine, specifically Casco Bay. To better understand their shift in location and behavior, Henry is investigating blue crabs’ diet, habitat preferences, reproduction and ability to survive Maine’s cold winters. Part of his research involves trying to detect their presence using eDNA collected from water samples, baited commercial grade lobster traps, trawl nets and telemetry devices. 

“This project may offer a window into how other creatures may be shifting their ranges.” Henry says. “It’s a really great way of getting an early insight into what impacts climate change may have in the Gulf of Maine.”

Read more about Henry’s work on the Maine EPSCoR website.