Macroalgae proliferation, one of the foremost ecological problems in the MAR, affecting coral growth, recruitment, and health, as they can harbor pathogens and serve as vectors of disease.
Project summary:
The only reef health indicator that consistently ranks ‘poor’ in the HRI Reef health Index (RHI) across 20 years of monitoring in all 4 countries is macroalgae cover. Reefs with higher numbers of herbivorous fish or invertebrates tend to have less fleshy macroalgae and a higher Reef Health Index (see 2024 Mesoamerican Reef Health Report Card).
The Caribbean King Crab, Maguimithrax spinosissimus, is one of the most efficient herbivores on reefs, capable of eliminating more fleshy macroalgae than some species of parrotfish. Reproduction of King Crab holds the promise of reducing the amount of fleshy macroalgae covering coral reefs and has the potential to generate income for CMPAs and for reef-dependent communities. Collaborating with the Mexican Institute for Fisheries IMIPAS), we've successfully raised Caribbean King Crabs in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and transplanted juveniles onto local reefs, showcasing their exceptional macroalgae-consuming capabilities.
Achievements and challenges:
- R&D: The project completed protocols for the capture of wild crabs, breeding, hatching, and cultivating King Crab juveniles to the desired carapace length. Crabs obtained from the first batch reached maturity and reproduced within the aquaculture system, closing the life cycle.
- With the completion of the life cycle, production costs have been identified for a model based on a partnership with the public sector (IMIPAS) in Mexico.
- HRI’s Director and the lead technician of the King Crab project joined the accelerator by HATCH “Women in Ocean Food Innovation Studio LATAM 2024” for a 10-day entrepreneurial acceleration program. They also participated in the Build & Connect 2023 cohort and won the WinWin for Sustainable Aquaculture Prize in 2023.
- The project has piloted similar studies in Turneffe, Belize and Cayos Cochinos, Honduras with key local partners.
Beyond offering a delectable solution, our initiative contributes to reef restoration, high-value seafood production, and economic justice, breaking the mold of traditional environmental impact.