Rocky shores that are exposed by low tides are great places to investigate marine organisms living between the high and low tide marks. Because they are often present in large numbers and are easy to identify, crabs will be our first survey organisms.

Starting in mid 2002 a number of groups will carry out a survey of two crab species that are common on rocky shores in south-eastern Australia.

The two crabs being studied are the notched shore crab Paragrapsus quadridentatus and the purple mottled shore crab Cyclograpsus granulosus.

We will be investigating the timing of two events in the lives of these two crabs:

• when the crabs shed their shells; and,
• when female crabs are carrying eggs.

low tide on the survey site at Flinders

During 2002 a number of sites will be surveyed on a regular basis. We are starting in March with Woodleigh School at Flinders. Soon after we will start at Balnarring. Both Flinders and Balnarring are on the shores of Western Port. Other groups will then begin surveying sites on the shores of Port Phillip Bay.

Details of the survey techniques and colour survey and identification sheets are available by clicking the links above. Results may also be viewed by clicking the links below.