Virginia state regulators decided against lengthening the blue crab harvest season on Oct. 28, maintaining previously adopted regulations for a struggling population that supports one of the Commonwealth’s most valuable and iconic fisheries.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted 6-1 on October 28 against extending the commercial crab pot harvest in December 2024 and against opening the season earlier in March 2025.
If they had been approved, the changes would have come on top of an already-approved, early December season extension and an increase in the number of hours watermen can work each day. The VMRC received 513 letters mostly opposing the extension, according to VMRC staff.
The most recent annual assessment of the blue crab population in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries show continued low numbers of adult females and males. Highlights from the survey include:
- Estimated total crab abundance at 317 million blue crabs, a slight reduction from last year’s 323 million blue crabs but above the 2022 record low estimate of 227 million crabs.
- Adult female crab population decreased to 133 million compared with 152 million last year. This figure falls far below the target of 215 million adult female crabs needed for a healthy population and sustainable harvest in the Chesapeake Bay.
- Juvenile crab numbers remained below average for the fifth year in a row.
- Male crab numbers decreased from 55 million in 2023 to 46 million in 2024 despite male harvest limits instituted last year.
Chris Moore, Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Virginia Executive Director, issued the following statement:
"Virginia regulators made wise decisions to keep the winter blue crab harvest closed and not extend the crab pot season any further. The scientific study known as a stock assessment is underway and will shed additional light on the variety of factors affecting the blue crab populations. In the meantime, the VMRC’s votes bolster a holistic precautionary approach for Virginia’s blue crab management. "
“Extending the crab pot season would have put additional pressure on an iconic species that supports a historic and valuable fishery in Virginia. By maintaining the current harvest regulations, we can help ensure a sustainable future for this valuable resource.”
Virginia Communications & Media Relations Manager, CBF
[email protected]
804-258-1567
