Commercial crab season will be shorter this year due to the decline in the Chesapeake Bay's blue crab population.
RELATED: Decline in Chesapeake Bay blue crabs
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources shortened this year's crab harvesting season by 10 days. It will now end on Nov. 20. Bushel levels will be reduced during the month of November.
“Since the release of the winter dredge survey, experts have cautioned that a scarcity of juvenile crabs could result in more challenging harvest conditions later this year and next,” said Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton in a statement. “This decision is the result of partners in science and industry developing consensus to achieve what is best for the health and ongoing productivity of the Chesapeake Bay blue crab fishery.”
