Walking speed and area utilization of red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) introduced to the Barents Sea coastal ecosystem

摘要: The red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) was introduced in the Barents Sea 1960s and soon established a viable population. Proper management exploitation of stock require better understanding spatial dynamics at different scales. This study examines small-scale movement patterns seven adult male crabs tracked for period up to one month from mid July August 150 m depth semi-enclosed fjord on Russo-Norwegian border. were tagged with acoustic transmitters their movements monitored an positioning system. Low walking speeds (<0.01 s−1) most frequent but could move maximum speed 0.15 s−1 walk actual distance 270 over hour. However, usually moved within relatively restricted area mean hourly longest rectilinear varying 26 64 m. alternated between periods low high activity, which reflect feeding food patches. lack diel activity rhythm may be due light levels during polar summer night, or chemically mediated search strategy.