This experiment is part of the Ocean Solutions Challenge Grant. Browse more projects

Why Are Blueberry Hermit Crabs Using Plastic Waste as Shells?

$1,840
Raised of $10,950 Goal
17%
Ended on 6/26/23
Campaign Ended
  • $1,840
    pledged
  • 17%
    funded
  • Finished
    on 6/26/23

Discussion

Join the conversation!Sign In
  • Angela Sayre
    Angela SayreBacker
    Very excited for this research. I can only hope to see the same here in the Florida Keys!!! Looking forward to the progress, I wish I could join you!!!
    May 24, 2023
  • Jessica Gordon
    Jessica GordonResearcher
    Thank you so much for your donation, Angela! I can't wait to update on the progress!
    May 26, 2023
  • Kelly Black
    Kelly BlackBacker
    Very proud of the work Jess and her team are doing!
    May 22, 2023
  • Jessica Gordon
    Jessica GordonResearcher
    thank you Kelly!
    May 23, 2023
  • Malu Ferreira
    Malu Ferreira Backer
    This is a great initiative and a project with an enormous importance for the conservation of the blueberry crabs. We need more understanding on the human impact on the wild life, and research like this one will bring us information and guide us towards solutions. Good luck for the entire team!
    May 20, 2023
  • Jessica Gordon
    Jessica GordonResearcher
    Thank you so much Malu!!
    May 21, 2023
  • Octo Takama
    Octo TakamaBacker
    It will be great research for wildlife conservation! Also if you can collect data on the snails which they utilize and size co-relation. Once I heard that invasive snails also affect the hermit crab. The Blueberry hermit crabs are already overgrown because of East African Large Snail. Their large shell enables them to grow bigger. Researchers revealed in the 1980s, making it hard to find the best-fit housing in the wild. (English Abstract on the last page→ https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/pronatura/29/0/29_262/_article/-char/ja/)
    May 19, 2023
  • Jessica Gordon
    Jessica GordonResearcher
    Thank you Octo! We will definitely look into this. The giant land snails are everywhere, I wouldn't be surprised if they are influencing shell availability.
    May 20, 2023
  • Quin T
    Quin TBacker
    I know I shouldn't think this but they look super cute in those "shells". The idea of them using plastic as their homes because their normal source of housing are taken away is quite a sad thought though. I hope much information for these adorable little Blueberries will result from this research!
    May 14, 2023
  • Jessica Gordon
    Jessica GordonResearcher
    It's an interesting adaptation for sure. Hopefully we can figure out why they are using plastic and other waste in the first place and understand the reason for the lack of natural shells. Thank you for backing the project!
    May 15, 2023
  • C Martinez
    C MartinezBacker
    Best of luck to you and the crabs! :)
    May 14, 2023
  • Jessica Gordon
    Jessica GordonResearcher
    Thank you so much for your contribution! We really appreciate it :)
    May 15, 2023