Cozumel, Q.R. — Blue crab season in Cozumel has begun with their migration across island highways. Germán Yáñez, the Cozumel City Council Deputy Director of Ecology, is asking island residents to be mindful of them.
“Although it is not a species protected by law, it is important to keep in mind that they are in a reproductive phase. We are responsible for their care, and by that I don’t just mean the government, but society,” he said.
For the past few days, the blue crabs have been seen at different points in the hotel zone attempting to cross the highway.
Cozumel Mayor Juanita Alonso Marrufo has also asked people to reduce speed and drive cautiously around the island for the protection and preservation of the blue crab.
Yáñez says it is important for the community to understand that the blue crab season usually starts in July and ends in September, although due to global warming, this year it started in June.
“The reason why these crustaceans are seen on the roads is because of their migratory behavior towards the sea for reproductive purposes, that is, the mating period is related to the phenomenon of walking, where most of the crabs leave their burrows and wander over the sediment of the mangrove.
“The release of their larvae takes place between the months of June to September, while the recruitment of juvenile organisms from the sea is observed during the months of August and September,” he explained.
The role of the blue crab in mangrove ecosystems is very important, acting like a natural architect since during excavations, it removes soil which contributes to the oxygenation of the soil that is used by other animal and plant species.
In addition, it contributes to the decomposition of matter, which later benefits other types of organisms.
Photo: June 24, 2024.
Yáñez says the main point of sightings is in the northern coastal area where there is a greater presence of mangroves, swamps and lagoons.
