Dear Shark,

I heard that on July 15th, the size limit to keep blue crabs went from 5” to 5.25” and that the latest survey showed that blue crab numbers are at their lowest in 33 years. Yikes – what’s going on with this iconic Bay animal?

Sincerely, A Bay-Friendly Crabber

Answer provided by: Jen Aiken, CSH2O Environmental Educator

Dear Bay-Friendly Crabber,

Great question… And you’re not the first to ask! This amazing arthropod is a big part of Maryland’s seafood industry and a summertime favorite for Marylander’s and tourists alike.  With that being said, the 2022 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which provides an annual estimate of the population of blue crabs in the Bay and its tributaries, estimated that the total crab population is 227 million. While that number may sound high, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, it’s actually the lowest number recorded in the survey’s 33-year history. 

In Maryland, blue crabs must be 5” from one lateral spine to the other (tip to tip) in order to be “keepers”. However, on July 15th the size limit went up to 5.25”. While increasing the size by a quarter of an inch does keep more adult crabs in the Bay longer, it’s not the only answer to the issue of low crab numbers.

One of the main reasons that blue crab numbers are at an all time low can be attributed to poor water quality. This is due to sewage treatment plants disposing untreated sewage into rivers, agricultural runoff, as well as pollution entering the waterways. As local waterman Luke McFadden said, “You can regulate the crabs and rockfish all you want, but it doesn’t change the fact that nothing can thrive in a stagnant puddle.” Luke was recently featured in this Baltimore Sun article for gaining a million followers on TikTok where he shares videos about his life working on the Chesapeake Bay. 

Whether you are a seasoned Bay waterman or a novice to fishing and crabbing on the Bay, we can all agree that a healthier Bay is not only better for blue crabs, but for all of its inhabitants, for recreation, and for Maryland’s economy. We can all do our part to help improve the water quality of this treasured ecosystem. Minimize using harmful fertilizers and pesticides in your yard, plant native plants and pollinators in your gardens, use eco-friendly products, dispose of your trash properly, pick up litter in your community, avoid using single-use plastics as much as you can and, of course, ensure that you are following state fishing and crabbing regulations. 

Sincerely, Shark

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