Perhaps no species is more closely associated with the Chesapeake Bay than the blue crab. It is estimated that one-third of the nation’s blue crab catch comes from the Bay.
Good water quality and adequate habitat, particularly of underwater grasses that provide shelter and food, are essential for the crab’s health and population growth. Harvest restrictions are also required to prevent removal of too large a segment of the population.
The species has been impacted by overexploitation, pollution and reduced habitat.
Learn more about blue crabs, blue crab harvest and blue crab management.
The goal is to have 200 million blue crabs that are at least one year old in the Bay. This abundance of crabs can result in a harvest of 60 million to 65 million pounds each year while still preserving 20 percent of the spawning population. The goal is based on an interim target recommended by Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC) for management adoption.
*Note: The historic data featured in this indicator changed from that reported in the 2007 assessment due to revised methodology that incorporates overwintering mortality in the abundance assessment.
Long-term trend (1990-2008)
Bay-wide, the score decreased from 138 percent to 60 percent of goal achieved (from 276 million to 120 million crabs age 1+)
Short-term trend (10-year trend)
Between 1999 and 2008, the Bay-wide Blue Crab Abundance score increased from 43 percent to 60 percent of goal achieved (from 86 million to 120 million crabs age 1+). During this time, the score leveled off at reduced abundance levels. Recent levels have decreased yet again to levels that cause concern.
Change from previous year (2007-2008)
The population of spawning-age blue crabs in the Bay fell to 120 million in 2008, compared with 143 million in 2007 (decreased from 71.5 percent to 60 percent of goal achieved).
In light of these figures, fisheries managers in Maryland and Virginia and at the Potomac River Fisheries Commission implemented emergency regulations in 2008 to reduce fishing pressure on female crabs. Additional regulations are being discussed for 2009. These changes are expected to reduce the amount of crabs taken from the Bay and help sustain a healthy crab population.
The Blue Crab Advisory Report, developed by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC), is based primarily on data from the Bay-wide blue crab winter dredge survey. In 2006, the CBSAC adopted the Bay-wide winter dredge survey as the primary indicator of blue crab stock status because it is the most comprehensive and statistically robust of the blue crab surveys conducted in the Bay.
The CBSAC includes fisheries scientists from universities, the states of Maryland and Virginia, and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service.
Derek Orner at 800-968-7229 ext. 676