Stone crabs have made their way to Virginia waters. Here’s why that’s so alarming.
As temperatures rise in Chesapeake Bay, the Virginia waters are drawing species that are typically native to tropical areas. Here’s what to know about VA’s new stone crabs.
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), located in Gloucester Point, has gained possession of four stone crabs found in Virginia waters—the first to be officially documented in Chesapeake Bay. According to WHRO, local watermen had reported seeing stone crabs prior to the Seawater Research Lab’s formal documentation. These stone crabs were previously spotted near the Eastern shore, and combined with the four at VIMS, tell a potentially damaging tale about the effects of climate change in the area.
Stone crabs prefer tropical waters
Stone crabs typically stick to regions where the climate is warm, and are most commonly found in offshore and coastal waters stretching between South America and North Carolina. A professor at VIMS and William & Mary’s Batten School, Rom Lipcius, said, “This is a tropical species, evolutionarily. That’s why you never found it north of North Carolina.” Lipcius added, “What we think is happening is the temperature here is much warmer than it used to be.”
This assessment is supported by data gathered in 2023, which said that the Chesapeake Bay is warming gradually, and that this rise in water temperature may have innumerable effects on both human and marine life in the area. Lipicius noted that stone crabs generally like a minimum threshold of about 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and that “it’s rare that we get temperatures that low for a long time” now. On the plus side, though, he said stone crabs are unlikely to harm the existing ecosystem of the Bay, as they aren’t an invasive species.
So, how did the stone crabs get here to begin with? And will they become a natural part of Virginia’s marine life?
Stone crabs have likely been routinely traveling to the Chesapeake Bay
Rom Lipcius thinks stone crabs have likely been traveling through ocean currents in the area for a while now—they just simply haven’t survived until this point because the water temperatures were too cold. Scientists in Chesapeake Bay documented stone crab larvae prior to the recent additions at VIMS, which supports Lipcius’s theory. In the professor’s opinion, now that water temperatures are on the rise, “the stone crab’s here to stay.” The one caveat to this declaration is that the research lab has only documented male stone crabs thus far, meaning it might take them some time to locally reproduce.
It’s important to note that only homeowners with docks and licensed crabbers in Hampton Roads are currently permitted to set traps for stone crabs. If you happen to come across one while you’re visiting the Bay, it’s best to leave them alone. You can, however, contact the VIMS if you’d like to help contribute to their scientific discoveries. WAVY/WBTV says that anyone who comes across stone crabs can reach out to Professor Lipcius at rom@vims.edu with sightings, information, and catches.
Will Virginia water temperatures continue to rise?
The recent presence of stone crabs in Chesapeake Bay is exciting for the scientists at the Seawater Research Lab, but the change in water temperature continues to be a point of concern. A study conducted by the University of Maryland indicated that the bay’s waters are steadily warming, and that increase doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing down. The study also noted that marine heat waves in the area have doubled within the last 20 years.
What does this mean in a general sense? Well, as temperatures in Chesapeake Bay rise, the amount of oxygen found within the water gradually lessens, which can lead to the suffocation of animals. It can also create harmful algae growth. Steps are being taken to protect marine species, with the hope of preventing this from happening to a devastating degree. However, only time will tell what impact this will have over the next 20 years and beyond.
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