Blue crab larval dispersal highlights population connectivity and implications for fishery management

In the Western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (GOM), a well-established fishery exists for the blue crab Callinectes sapidus that is contiguous from Texas to New Jersey (Guillory et al. 2001). The assessment and management of the United States (US) blue crab fishery is regional and delineated by state jurisdic-tions and boundaries. This management structure limits assessments of blue crab to state and regional boundaries that may not align with its natural population structure and distribution across its US range. Florida is no different from other US states in its approach to blue crab management. Within Florida, a single statewide stock structure is assumed for management. However, the assessment of the blue crab