VMRC votes not to re-open winter crab dredging for now

The VMRC voted 4-1 Tuesday not to re-open the winter crab dredge fishery for the 24-25 season.

The proposal to re-open winter dredging at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay that was passed in the Commission’s June meeting has drawn criticism from numerous groups including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation,

The Commission reversed  the original decision to allow for more time to work toward a framework for a crab dredge fishery.  The VMRC also voted to extend the crab pot season while they are working on the framework for a dredge fishery.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), released a statment on Tuesday, saying the VMRC approved a month-long public comment period focusing on the ban on winter blue crab harvesting. Until they receive that feedback, the Commission cannot vote to approve reopening the season, according to the CBF.

“VMRC’s decision is a significant step toward a brighter future for the Bay’s blue crab population and helps ensure we have the best available science when making important decisions about Virginia’s blue crab fishery,” The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore said. “This decision allows the scientific stock assessment of the many factors affecting the blue crab population to proceed without significant changes occurring in the fishery at the same time, paving the way for sound evidence-based management decisions of this essential species in the future. We applaud this vote.”