Potential of Grow-out of Softshell Blue Crabs in Ponds Stocked with Juvenile Crabs

Economic simulations were performed to guide the planning and managing of additional pilot experiments in softshell blue crab grow-out to maximize harvests and improve profitability. The potential costs and benefits are weighed in advance before implementing any planned changes. In making these simulations, the current information on softshell blue crab production is used. Simulations initially considered the cost of juvenile crabs as produced by private hatcheries and nurseries. Additional simulations cover the impacts of increasing survival rates and stocking density. Finally, simulations of discounted net annual cash inflows incorporated the wholesale prices of blue softshell crabs in the Mid-Atlantic markets.