The absence of the usual movement of females towards the sea on full moon nights
The blue crab species in the Veracruz Riviera is facing a worrying decline in its reproductive cycle. Recent monitoring at the foot of the mangroves has confirmed that this phenomenon, traditional at this time of year, was practically unheard of, which points to a drastic decline in the blue crab (Cardisoma guanhumi) population in the zone.
Local organizations like Earth Mission They warn that if spawning is interrupted, the species could be left cornered into small nuclei or disappear at the regional level. Key factors and Urban sprawl’s most emblematic landmarks, the road traffic that cross the biological corridors, the looting for consumption or with a adverse climatic context are accelerating the crisis.
Last monitoring: full moon without female race
During the last full moon, hundreds of crabs were not observed passing by. towards the sea, as was customary at this time of year. The "race" of egg-laying females, which take advantage of the maximum lunar brightness and the greater ambient humidity to release larvae, was reduced to a minimum in reference enclaves of the Veracruz Riviera.
Spawning is the critical point of the cycle And without it, there is no generational change. Activists who toured the coastal strip during the night and early morning reported that “they are no longer there where they used to be." The absence of that activity at a key moment reflects the accumulated deterioration in the last decade.
The species depends on mangrove-sea connectivityIf this route is cut off or becomes unsafe, the egg-laying female will not reach the shore in time. A decline in numbers has been observed in recent years, but Now the practical absence is evident at an important lunar milestone.
Pressures that push the blue crab to the limit
Urbanization and road expansion They have buried burrows and fractured biological corridors. In sections such as the access to Antón Lizardo, run-overs are frequent when crabs cross at night to complete their cycle, increasing mortality.
The rising price of blue crab, which is paid around 500–600 pesos per kilo, has encouraged the illegal extractionIn places like Mandinga, groups have been reported that They carry whole sacks to supply the demand of restaurants, often without Conapesca permit.
The climate also intensifies the pressure: last year's heat wave and lack of sufficient rainfall In this cycle, humidity decreases in flood-prone areas, just when the crab needs humid conditions and favorable lunar phases for its movement and reproduction.
Rescue campaigns and current situation of the species
Earth Mission has been running a protection campaign since June. which is now in its eighth year on the Veracruz Riviera. Volunteers and support teams are helping to guide and rescue females trying to reach the sea, reducing the risk of accidents in conflict zones.
The organization reports that the species persists, although confined in mangrove patches increasingly smaller. In places with physical barriers, such as perimeter fences In some subdivisions, the female no longer crosses and is forced to detour, generating funnels on traditional routes, such as Punta Tiburón.
They have been working with Profepa for years. in awareness-raising and surveillance operations during the breeding season. However, they acknowledge that their efforts alone it is not enough to stop the fall if broader and more coordinated measures are not implemented.
What they ask of the authorities and the private sector
Include the blue crab in NOM-059 as an at-risk species and advance the ban are two main demands. The current ban on August 15 to September 30 It is considered delayed on the Riviera: they propose to start it on August 1th, XNUMX because ovate females appear from the new moon of that month and it is essential to protect them before they begin their migration.
Strengthen surveillance Coordinated by municipal and state police, Profepa and Conapesca is also a priority, especially in looting points and crossing routes. In addition, it is requested strengthen sanctions against illegal fishing and enable wildlife crossings and nighttime signage to reduce risks and facilitate travel.
The restaurant sector You should only buy products with current permits, and consumers have the responsibility to verify the origin of the product. It also requires that future authorizations and environmental assessments guarantee the connectivity of the mangrove with the sea to facilitate the crab's reproductive cycle.
Pending data: population census and citizen science
A population census in Veracruz is an urgent need. to better understand the magnitude of the problem and define effective strategies. The proposal includes adding academic centers such as the Boca del Río Institute of Technology and Inecol, as well as local groups.
Measure densities, routes, mortality due to collisions in places like Mata de Uva, La Guada, Mandinga and the Riviera itself would allow for the optimization of protection zones, road closures and the creation of safe biological corridors.
Citizen science It can accelerate the collection of relevant data through simple sighting protocols and georeferenced reports. Collaboration between academia, society, and authorities will facilitate evidence-based decisions in a timely manner for conservation.
