Virginia Legislation to Protect Vulnerable Crab Species
Protecting True Crabs in Chesapeake Bay
Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to implement 90-day moratorium on harvesting true crabs.
True crabs in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia have been experiencing a decline in population.
The moratorium will be in effect from April 10th to July 10th, 2023.
Reasons for the Moratorium
The VMRC is implementing the moratorium to protect and restore the true crab population in Chesapeake Bay.
True crabs are an important part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem, serving as a food source for other animals and contributing to the overall health of the bay.
In recent years, the true crab population has declined due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, and overharvesting.
What is a True Crab?
True crabs are a specific group of crabs that belong to the family Callinectes.
The most common true crab in Chesapeake Bay is the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus).
True crabs are characterized by their five pairs of legs, with the first pair being modified into claws.
How Will the Moratorium Help?
The moratorium will provide a period of time for true crabs to spawn and reproduce, which will help to increase their population.
During the moratorium, it will be illegal to harvest true crabs in Chesapeake Bay, Virginia.
The VMRC will continue to monitor the true crab population and make adjustments to the moratorium as necessary.
Other Measures to Protect True Crabs
In addition to the moratorium, the VMRC is also implementing other measures to protect true crabs in Chesapeake Bay, including:
- Habitat restoration
- Pollution reduction
- Sustainable fishing practices
These measures will help to ensure that the true crab population in Chesapeake Bay remains healthy and sustainable for future generations.
