Crabbing on the Coast of Georgia

A delicate and balanced system, beautiful and precious are the barrier islands of Georgia. More than one-third of the coast of North America is bordered by barrier islands. Along the Atlantic there are more than 300 barrier islands, from Maine to Texas (more than 18 states). Between 75 and 95 percent of all marine species are dependent upon these estuaries that are formed behind the barrier islands. They allow marshes to build up in the quiet waters of the sound. These marshes filter pollutants that come from the mainland rivers and when the marsh grasses die they create detritus, a valuable food source for small marine organisms. Many commercial, industrial and recreational activities in the estuary are vital to the economy of Georgia. Georgia receives $3.5 billion annually directly or indirectly from coastal shipping ports. Each year Georgia Shrimpers catch 4 million pounds of white shrimp, totaling $16 million and 17 million pounds of fish and shellfish, totaling $25 million. Sixty-five million dollars is added to the economy of Georgia by fisheries. 

I love watching men fish (and women). It's mostly serene at times, unless you happen to be on  a large vessel out at sea when they start hauling in the "big ones". Recently I was given a lesson in "crabbing". I'd seen the markers of crab traps from Louisiana to Georgia and often wondered about the crabbing lifestyle. A very competitive field as well. Interestingly enough the blue crab prefers both the brackish water inshore as well as the high-salinity ocean waters to complete its life cycle. 

www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com