Name: Madison Sholes-Ghosh
Date: 07/13/2026
Time (EST/EDT): 01:00 pm
Location: Nice Hall
Remote Access: email: mees@umd.edu

Committee Chair: Michael Wilberg
Committee Members: Dong Liang, Genevieve Nesslage

Title: Population dynamics of Blue Catfish and effects on blue crab abundance
in Chesapeake Bay

Abstract: Blue Catfish are a management concern in the Chesapeake Bay due
their rapid expansion and predation on native species. The population-level
effects of Blue Catfish predation on native species, like blue crab, and the
rate of Blue Catfish population growth remain unquantified. Our objectives were
to (1) quantify the relationship between Blue Catfish and blue crab and (2)
estimate the Blue Catfish intrinsic rate of increase (r). We estimated the
relationship between Blue Catfish relative abundance and blue crab catch using
a generalized additive model and fit Blue Catfish biomass indices using a
state-space logistic growth model. We estimated a negative relationship and
that the current effect of Blue Catfish predation on blue crab abundance was an
8% decrease. We estimated r = 0.59/year. Current Blue Catfish harvest levels do
not appear to suppress the population. Without effective control, we expect
blue crab abundance to continue to decline.