Decapod crustacean (Ranina ranina) respirometry and haemolypmh analysis

This proposed research project aimed to determine the magnitude of the effect of identified key stressors on spanner crab as well as trial handling and transport techniques for efficiency. Intermittent flow was used to quantify the effect of temperature variation and hypoxia on spanner crab metabolic rate. Hemolymph sample analysis was used to determine the biochemical effect of hypoxia and transport techniques to be trialed on spanner crab. Finally, mortalities were recorded for all transport treatments. Treatments trialed offshore and compared are cold stunning and sedation – treatments that have previously yielded positive results in a similar context (Poole and Exely 2020). The goal, to further our knowledge regarding spanner crab physiology and possibly identify offshore transport practices that increase spanner crab survivorship.