| A conceptual model is proposed that relates Dungeness crab (Cancer magister) year class strength to variable advection during the pelagic larval phase, restrictive juvenile habitat requirements and density-dependent effects during the first (0+) year of benthic life. Systematic trawl (n = 2,218) surveys were conducted along the southern Washington coast during 1983-1988 to provide estimates of juvenile crab abundance. The study area, comprised of nearshore and estuarine (Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay) components, was sampled monthly from May to September. Abundance of 0+ varied nearly 40-fold and settlement was confined to a relatively narrow (... |
