Virginia regulators vote to reverse decision to reopen winter blue crab season

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted on Tuesday to reverse their decision to reopen the blue crab winter harvest for the upcoming season.

In June, the VMRC repealed a 15-year-long ban on winter blue crab dredging following a May 29 vote from the Blue Crab Management Advisory Committee supporting the reopening of the winter dredge season.

In a 4-1 vote Tuesday night, the VMRC approved restoring the ban for “at least” the upcoming season. In October, the VMRC will discuss adding a possible December extension, as well as an earlier March opening for the season, which currently runs from mid-March through the middle of December.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) stated the VMRC approved a month-long public comment period to focus on the harvesting ban. Until feedback is received, the Commission will not be able to vote to approve the reopening of the season.

“I am delighted the Commission followed the advice of its crab management advisory committee and will not consider opening a winter dredge fishery this season,” Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Executive Director Chris Moore said. “The advisory committee identified numerous concerns about reopening such a fishery at this time.”

According to the CBF, the winter dredge season primarily targets female crabs, which could ultimately lead to the further depletion of the female blue crab population. A 2024 study from the VMRC states the adult female crab population decreased from 152 million to 133 million in 2023.

More information about the vote can be found here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.