The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted 5-4 on Tuesday to lift a ban on winter dredging for blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay, a regulation that has been in place since 2008. The decision has sparked significant criticism from Maryland officials, including Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz, who stated, 'It's a bad day if you care about blue crabs.' The repeal is not yet final, but it has already raised concerns among crabbers and organizations about the potential impact on the blue crab population in the Chesapeake Bay.
A Virginia commission’s decision to strike down a ban on the winter dredge harvesting of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay drew sharp criticism from Maryland officials. https://t.co/yrUbXXV6fD
The repeal isn't final, but crabbers and organizations have already raised concerns over a 5-4 vote. Tap the link to see reactions; https://t.co/EcGvImzAlu https://t.co/Nyl0kufoR9
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 5-4 Tuesday morning to repeal the winter blue crab dredging ban. It's been in effect since 2008. https://t.co/Y94JLn6xQV
“It’s a bad day if you care about blue crabs,” Maryland DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz wrote. In a 5-4 vote on Tuesday, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) lifted a ban on dredging for blue crabs in the winter. https://t.co/CXqeqZnrQe
Maryland denounces Virginia decision on winter crab fishery: ‘A bad day if you care about blue crabs’ https://t.co/lWKlnwEkym