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VMRC keeps 2026–27 blue crab seasons and bushel limits unchanged; winter dredge closure retained
Summary
After the 2026 winter dredge survey showed increased total abundance (driven by juveniles) but a drop in adult females, the commission adopted staff’s recommendation to maintain season dates, bushel limits and the closure of the winter dredge fishery while awaiting a finalized benchmark stock assessment.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on June 23 approved staff recommendations to hold season dates and bushel limits for the 2026–27 commercial blue crab fishery, including continued closure of the winter dredge fishery.
Staff presented the results of the annual, baywide winter dredge survey conducted by VIMS and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The 2026 survey estimated total blue crab abundance at 349 million crabs, a 46% increase over the prior estimate driven largely by juvenile abundance; adult female abundance decreased 25% to about 81 million, which remains above the survey’s depletion threshold (72 million) but below the management target (196 million).
Staff noted adult female exploitation was approximately 29% in 2025, below the 37% threshold for overfishing. Cold‑stun mortality and other winter mortality patterns were discussed as drivers of year‑to‑year change. Staff recommended a status‑quo approach — the same bushel limits and season windows as the prior year (the sole administrative change was moving an end date from Dec. 20 to Dec. 19 to align with calendar practice); the winter dredge closure remains in effect.
Commissioners and staff clarified that a peer‑reviewed benchmark stock assessment is pending; the final benchmark may change biological reference points and management advice, and jurisdictions plan to meet to coordinate any changes. The commission voted to adopt staff’s recommendation.
The decision preserves current commercial and recreational season structure while the jurisdictions review updated assessment outputs and consider coordinated adjustments if the benchmark assessment or updated model runs indicate a need for different management.
