More restrictions for blue crab harvest

As the population of crab population is falling dangerously, Virginia Marine Resources Commission mulls to put more restrictions on its harvest.

Jack Travelstead, chief fisheries regulator for the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, said that the present situation of the crab population is not satisfactory and it seems that the species is on the verge of extinction. He added a significant die off of aquatic vegetation prevents a good spawn that could possibly crash the population to an unexpected levels that might not be able to recover.

The Commission has appointed a ten member panel to review the situation. It included seven blue crab scientists, two each from Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina and one from South Carolina. Besides, there are three from Virginia fisheries regulators in the panel. The panel submit a report that include several recommendations such as shortening of crab season, increasing the closing date of crab spawning sanctuary, stricter licence using, large crab pot escape rings and the likes.

The report also recommends VMRC regulations to limit the number of days crabs can be harvested and should ensure that crabbers are not setting more pots than permitted. VMRC Commissioner Steve Bowman said that the recommendations would be affected through cooperation from regulators and the crabbing industry so that long-term gains could be gain.

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WorldFishingToday d. 30-01-2008