Some aspects of the ecology and fishery of the mangrove crab Scylla Serrata (Forskal, 1755) in Gazi Bay, South Coast- Kenya

Abstract

Crab fishery is important in Kenya as a source of proteins to the communities along the coast and foreign earnings to the country. About 12 tons of the mangrove crab, Scylla serrata (Forskal, 1755) is exported in foreign countries annually. Despite its importance, there are very few ecological studies done in Kenya to investigate factors affecting its distribution and abundance. This study was conceived with a goal to investigate the biotic and abiotic factors affecting the distribution of S. serrata and effects of various fishing gears on catch. This study was conducted at Gazi bay (Maftaha), south coast of Kenya during the months of April to September 2003. The crab was sampled from four stations which included the reforested area, natural forested area, sub-tidal sea grass bed and Mkurumuji River estuary using four different types of fishing gears; basket traps (malema), crab pots, hook and line and gillnet. Analysis of food and dietary composition was done on the basis of their frequency of occurrence.