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Vol. 53 - Alaska Resources Library and Information Services

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search is called for on this group (OCSEAP FY 83 programs on crab biology<br />

will be very useful), several important predictions <strong>and</strong> observations<br />

pertaining to oil impact on decapod larvae in the S.E. Bering Sea can be<br />

made.<br />

These include:<br />

1. Larvae of both red <strong>and</strong> blue king crab seem most likely to be deleteriously<br />

impacted by oil pollution because distribution is nearshore<br />

<strong>and</strong> relatively restricted over the expansive shelf. There is a<br />

high probability that significant portions of an entire yearclasses<br />

could be killed by oil dispersed from a major spill, with a<br />

subsequent impact on the commercial fishery.<br />

2. Larval Tanner crab populations could suffer extensive mortality depending<br />

on location, magnitude, season, <strong>and</strong> year of a spill as well<br />

as larval stage affected.<br />

Further modeling should be done with<br />

these species based on modified assumptions outlined in this section,<br />

particularly in regards to the last larval (megalops) stage.<br />

Many oil spills, however, might be relatively benign in their impact<br />

since these larvae are abundant over large areas of the St.<br />

George Basin <strong>and</strong> over the middle shelf near the NAS lease sales.<br />

3. Larvae of many species of shrimp, hermit crab, <strong>and</strong> other true crabs<br />

are abundant <strong>and</strong> widely dispersed over the Basin.<br />

Most oil spills<br />

would not significantly imperil benthic populations, although the<br />

combined loss of all decapod larvae over 10-15% of the Basin could<br />

have regional consequences through impacts on predator/prey relationships<br />

in the benthic community.<br />

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