Problems of the economic exploitation of brachiura crustaceans in the northern Adriatic

Abstract

        Of the brachyuraln crobs in the Adriatic Sea the spider crab Maja squinado) is of greatest economic importance. At times theis catches attain remarcable quantities but these are liable to great periodical fluctuations which makes it believe that this periodical decline in the cathes might be due to overfishing of this species. By basing it on the available fact, on the statistical data of many years in the first place, no conclusion could have been arrived at whether their fishing should be stopped altogether or only temporarily. It bas been suggested that necessary financial means should be provided for the study of their population dynamics. The problems of the cathes of other brachyuraln crabs like Eriphia verucosa, Dromia personata and Carcinus mediterraneus have also been discussed.