peelers when the water is around 70 degrees, early in the 

 season. 



The disadvantages? Shedding production drops off as the 

 water warms beyond 72 degrees. And Wescott points out 

 that fishing, checking and maintaining the shedders is in- 

 convenient, often requiring the crabber to wade or use a 

 boat each time he or she checks the trays. 



• Flow-through shedders, placed along the shore, are 

 more convenient and are popular among North Carolina 

 crabbers. They are often very productive, and some house 

 500 or more peelers in each tray, when the water is cool. 



The trays are similar in size to the floating shedders, but 

 are mounted on legs. They are water-tight and are fitted 

 with plumbing and pumps that circulate water from a 

 brackish creek or sound through the shedders. 



If the water you have is dirty or full of debris, you will 

 need to filter it before it reaches the shedders. 



These flow-through systems rely on electricity to keep 

 them running, so energy costs are somewhat higher than 

 with floating shedders. Also, Wescott warns that crabs will 

 die if a power failure shuts down the pump, unless there is a 

 backup power supply handy. 



Wescott says that the convenience and simplicity of these 

 flow-through shedders has made them very successful. 



• Closed-system shedders are similar to the flow- 

 through types except that the water is continually cir- 

 culated within the system. You may need a closed shedding 

 system if the water in your creek or sound is of very poor 



quality, or if your property is not on a waterfront. 



Closed systems rely on filters and devices called protein 

 skimmers to remove waste. Water for these systems is often 

 pumped from a well and treated with chemicals to simulate 

 natural conditions. 



Because of the extra filtering, treating and re-circulating 

 of the water, closed systems are more expensive to build and 

 operate than the other types. But Wescott says they can 

 nevertheless be operated profitably in many coastal areas, if 

 they are carefully maintained. 



Maintaining shedding systems 



The floating shedders require the least maintenance of 

 the three types of systems. Wescott advises you to haul out 

 each floating shedder for a day at a time, every couple of 

 weeks, temporarily distributing its crabs among other trays. 

 He says a day or two of sunshine will kill growths and 

 parasites that might otherwise reduce the life of the trays. 



Flow-through and closed shedding systems require 

 regular scrubbings and inspections. Valves and pipes must 

 be cleaned, and pumps and wiring inspected each season. 

 Filters need regular cleanings through the season. 



All the systems must be checked for the proper salinity 

 and temperature, and the trays protected from birds and 

 other predators. 



Continued on next page 



Illustrations by Sue Sunday 



