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Marine Resources Commission adopts 2025–26 blue crab measures, keeps winter dredge season closed (dec. 20 closing date)
Summary
The commission approved staff recommendations to keep seasons and bushel limits unchanged for 2025–26, voted to keep the winter commercial dredge fishery closed and adjusted the winter close date to Saturday, Dec. 20, following review of a downward trend in crab abundance from the February dredge survey.
The Marine Resources Commission on June 24 adopted 2025–26 management measures for the commercial blue crab fishery, keeping seasons and bushel limits the same as the prior year and continuing the winter commercial dredge fishery closure. Commissioners approved staff recommendations and accepted a calendar adjustment to end the season on Saturday, Dec. 20.
Staff presented results from the 2024–25 winter dredge survey, conducted annually by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Staff reported total crab abundance declined 25% to an estimated 238,000,000 crabs; adult…
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