(ANNAPOLIS, MD)—Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) interim Environmental Protection and Restoration Vice President Alison Prost issued this statement following the release of the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee's (CBSAC) annual blue crab report.
"Conservative, scientific management of the Bay's blue crab population is working. Although the number of adult females dropped from the previous year, it is still well in the healthy range. Highlighting the positive fishery management actions, the report indicated that the catch has been below the mortality target for the past 10 years.
"With water quality improving and underwater grasses at record levels, CBF is hopeful that continued conservative management and improved habitat conditions will lead to positive benefits for both crabs and crabbers.
"As recommended by the CBSAC report, we hope management jurisdictions will work to maintain the status quo for harvest during the upcoming crabbing season."
