(HAMPTON, VA)—Today the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) approved changes to Virginia’s blue crab fishery that include a slight increase in catch limits in November. Chesapeake Bay Foundation Senior Regional Ecosystem Scientist Chris Moore issued the following statement.
“These modest changes will allow Virginia’s watermen to harvest more blue crabs and are entirely appropriate given strong crab numbers found in the recent winter dredge survey.
“Good fisheries management, healthy habitat, and clean water are all key to a strong blue crab population. VMRC should be commended for its continued wise management of the blue crab resource and fishery.
“As one of the Chesapeake Bay’s most important fisheries, efforts to implement management actions that are consistent with yearly changes to the crab population in the Bay will help ensure a vibrant blue crab population and fishery.”
