The thermal biology of Carcinus maenas as a tool for conservation, mitigation, and invasion predictions

Biggar, Brandy S. (2021) The thermal biology of Carcinus maenas as a tool for conservation, mitigation, and invasion predictions. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfounland.

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Abstract

Carcinus maenas is a thermally tolerant invasive species that have successfully colonized every continent except Antarctica. Invasive species negatively impact native species, and C. maenas, in particular, has been implicated in the local losses of several ecologically important species. Anthropogenic activities are primarily to blame for species invasions, and climate change will exacerbate their dominance over native species. In this thesis, I explore the thermal ecology of C. maenas by mapping their thermal niche, modeling changes in abundance and temperature, and synthesizing thermal limits. Using mixed modeling of global abundance data, I show that the green crab abundance is not changing globally and that their abundance is related to temperature variability. By reviewing the literature, I show that green crabs have life-stage and region-specific tolerances. Juvenile green crabs appear to be the most vulnerable stage and may be responsible for driving changes in green crab abundance. I also review knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research, including standardizing methods and resolving unknown adult thermal limits. This thesis presents Carcinus maenas as an incredibly robust species with vast thermal tolerances promoting their global invasion.

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