Evidence for a Male Bias in Atlantic Blue Crab Pot‐Based Sampling

Abstract Objective The Atlantic Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus is an ecologically‐ and economically‐important species that supports one of the highest valued commercial fisheries in coastal South Carolina, USA. Researchers at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources conduct multiple surveys to monitor the status of the Atlantic Blue Crab using a variety of gear configurations. Demographic characterizations can often be influenced by sampling gear‐related biases. Methods We compared blue crab sex ratios between passive, pot‐based sampling and active, trawl‐based sampling across three estuaries in the fall and for year‐round sampling in a single estuary (Ashley River, SC). Result During the fall, the percent of males collected in pot‐based sampling was 20.1% higher than the percent of males collected in trawl‐based sampling. Furthermore, an overall male bias of 23.1% was observed for year‐round sampling in the Ashley River, SC; however, this bias was only significant in certain months. Conclusion Our findings suggest that while particular sampling gears may have specific advantages, such as greater suitability to effectively sample certain habitats, the resulting characterizations of population demographics can differ among gear types. Recognizing gear related biases is important for ensuring that field surveys are representative of population demographics, particularly when sex‐specific modeling approaches are used as part of stock assessments to determine population status.