![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2sjMjd_0u8bgtga00](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=2sjMjd_0u8bgtga00)
The ban on winter crab dredging in Virginia waters has been lifted for the first time in over a decade, according to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).
The commission says its goal is to see overall crab stocks still hold strong if dredging is reintroduced.
The crab dredge ban had been in place since 2008, meaning crabbing was only allowed from March until the middle of December in Virginia, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Until now, the commission had voted in favor of upholding the ban every year.
WATCH: Chesapeake Bay blue crab population holds strong; harvesters encouraged
Chesapeake Bay blue crab population holds strong, harvesters encouraged
However, the ban lift has been met with opposition, namely from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
In a release, the foundation raised concerns about how reintroducing winter crab dredging could put the Bay's strong crab population at risk.
"The winter dredge fishery primarily harvests female blue crabs, whose numbers declined by nearly 20 million in the recent annual estimate of blue crab numbers in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries," said the foundation. "This reduction in the estimated population was the focus of much of the opposition."
WATCH: How to become an oyster gardener and help keep the Chesapeake Bay clean
How to become an oyster gardener and help keep the Chesapeake Bay clean
The commission says the repeal of the crab dredge ban won’t open a crab dredge fishery in Virginia. Only VMRC staff will be testing winter dredging to see if it’s possible to do without hurting the crab stock, according to the commission.
The commission says if year-round dredging doesn’t have a negative impact on the crab population, the commercial crabbing industry could be supported through the winter. This would avoid the job losses and loss of customers during the off-season, the commission added.
More environment stories
Ban lifted on winter crab dredging in Va. waters, but not without opposition
Madeline Miller
8:18 AM, Jun 29, 2024
Supreme Court overturns Chevron decision, weakening regulations on environment
AP via Scripps News
10:34 AM, Jun 28, 2024
Florida Gov. DeSantis signs bill prohibiting intentional release of balloons
Justin Boggs
9:46 AM, Jun 26, 2024
Will the Seine River be safe to swim in for the Paris Olympics?
Chloe Nordquist
4:26 PM, Jun 24, 2024
Converting cow manure to fuel is growing climate solution, but there are risks
AP via Scripps News
3:53 PM, Jun 24, 2024
Here's why the inside of your Amazon package might soon look a little different
Alex Arger
7:55 PM, Jun 21, 2024
You, too, can become an oyster gardener and keep the bay clean
Kelsey Jones
6:44 AM, Jun 20, 2024
East Palestine train derailment spread pollutants to 16 states, research shows
Alex Arger
9:21 PM, Jun 19, 2024
Comments / 0