2/1/2024 0 Comments Maryland crab dredge report![]() ![]() “However, it also tells us we need to continue with our precautionary, science-based management approach to ensure we do not see further decreases.” “The recent blue crab winter dredge survey shows us we have a healthy and robust blue crab population in the Chesapeake Bay,” says VMRC Commissioner Steven Bowman. While 2019 saw a year of excellent recruitment with 324 million new crabs, 2020 saw only 185 million juveniles added to the population. This change was largely driven by a 43% decrease in the recruitment of juveniles. The combined abundance of all ages of blue crabs declined by a third, from 594 million crabs in 2019 to 404 million crabs in 2020. While abundance did decline in most aspects in 2020, it remains within the normal, healthy range. The results-available due to months of field sampling and laboratory analysis by VIMS researchers Mike Seebo, Katie Knick, Gabby Saluta, Alison Smith, and colleagues at Maryland DNR-were announced by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Maryland DNR leadership. Results from the latest Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey-conducted annually by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Maryland Department of Natural Resources-show the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab stock remains resilient and within healthy ranges. Species shows resilience despite general decline in abundance ![]()
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