Maryland Crab Harvest Totals Drop
posted 1:10 pm Mon February 04, 2008 - ANNAPOLIS, Md.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimated Monday the 2007 harvest was 21.8 million pounds, compared to the lowest recorded harvest of 20.2 million pounds.
The state will rely on scientific assessments of crab management options before implementing any restrictions, which could happen as early as April 2008, according to DNR.
Virginia is also weighing limits. A public hearing is scheduled later this month in Newport News, Va.
Lynn Fegley, a Maryland fisheries biologist, said the low 2007 harvest was the result of many factors, including poor reproduction of young blue crabs in late 2006, reduced fishing and unusual climatic conditions causing them to move farther north up the bay's tributaries.
Gov. Martin O'Malley has directed DNR to develop blue crab management strategies with stakeholders, including Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
"Since 70 percent of the Bay's female blue crabs are harvested from Virginia waters, we must work together to coordinate action toward a solution, and both states must enforce their fair share of any necessary restrictions if we are to ensure the future of our blue crab population," DNR Secretary John Griffin said in a statement.
The blue crab winter survey is under way in a cooperative effort by DNR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to create a better picture of the crab population in the bay. The survey, which has been conducted since 1990, has sampled blue crabs at 1,500 sites throughout the bay from December through March, providing a more precise estimate. It samples crabs from December through March.
The results of the 2008 blue crab winter dredge survey will provide the basis for potential management actions in 2008 and beyond.
"Recently, the blue crab has been in the headlines because of reduced catches by commercial and recreational crabbers in the bay," said DNR Assistant Secretary for Aquatic Resources, Frank Dawson. "While harvesting is a major factor in affecting the crab population, impaired habitat - particularly the loss of bay grasses due to poor water quality - has also significantly contributed to the problems facing our state's treasured blue crabs."
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