Describe the Impact of Crabs Going Extinct in This Ecosystem
Describe the impact of crabs going extinct in this ecosystem. These creatures are used for food and biomedical testing, but their numbers are shrinking.
The American horseshoe crab, the largest land crab in the world, has faced serious threats, both natural and human. The long-tailed species has become more vulnerable to overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.
Climate change has wreaked havoc on sensitive ecosystems. For instance, the Bering Sea snow ice has shrunk, exposing young crabs to predators. It has also pushed the water temperatures in the ocean near Alaska up by three degrees Fahrenheit since 1925.
Climate change also means more aggressive predators. In addition, increased carbon pollution will cause the shells of blue crabs to grow abnormally large. This will make the crabs less successful at consuming their main prey. In addition, the shells will become less able to protect the crabs from predators, which could have ramifications for reproduction.
Scientists are currently monitoring the situation to see how it plays out. They will weigh competing interests, including conservation and livelihoods. They may even have to resort to diplomatic pressure on foreign governments.
Other issues for blue crabs include habitat loss and nutrient loading. Livestock grazing, in particular, has direct negative effects on carbon sequestration. The fishing industry, in particular, can play a role in reducing carbon pollution by investing in more efficient vehicles and less hazardous fuels.
In addition, countries can regenerate marine ecosystems by developing better fishing policies. They can also reduce their use of fossil fuels. They must also protect areas outside their domestic fishing zones.
