Blue Crab research program accepting proposals for 2005

The Blue Crab Research Program (BCRP) invites members of the crabbing community and those involved in crabbing related industries and research to submit proposals for funding in 2005.

The program, which is funded by the N.C. General Assembly and administered by North Carolina Sea Grant, seeks innovative research that will help enhance North Carolina's blue crab fishery. Priority funding areas include stock enhancement; population assessment; blue crab biology; shedding technology; and social and economic impacts of the blue crab fishery. Potential research topics include, but are not limited to: crab migration patterns at all life stages; usage and productivity of sanctuary waters; effects of crabbing in estuarine habitats and ecosystems; mortality in shedding operations; methods of reducing pot loss; and male and female reproductive viability. For a complete list of potential topics, visit North Carolina Sea Grant online at www.ncseagrant.org.