Marine Resources Commission to advertise keeping winter dredge closed and consider extending pot season

The Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 24 voted to advertise two linked actions on blue-crab management: continuing the prohibition on the winter crab dredge fishery for the 2024–25 season and advertising a potential modification to the crab-pot season that could extend harvest dates. The motion also directed staff to continue developing a framework for any future dredge openings and to return with recommended language during the Oct. 28 public hearing.

Staff told commissioners the decision before them was procedural — whether to advertise measures for a public hearing — and stressed that the statutory default season-setting code (Dec. 1–Mar. 31 unless the commission votes otherwise) would allow a season to open on Dec. 1 if no action were taken. Staff reviewed the fishery’s history, noting a fisheries disaster declaration in 2008 that led to a 34% effort reduction across Chesapeake jurisdictions and the long-standing closure of the dredge…