How much has the crab catch on Chesapeake Bay decreased in the past 25 years?

Since 1990, commercial watermen have harvested more than 1.6 billion pounds of blue crabs from the Bay. Data show commercial harvest has experienced a steady decline, and last year hit the lowest level recorded in 25 years: 35 million pounds.

Where are the blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay?

Known as the “beautiful swimmer,” blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, are the most iconic Chesapeake Bay species. They are found in coastal waters along the Atlantic Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico in the United States, although their range stretches as far south as Argentina in South America.

Are Chesapeake blue crabs endangered?

Not extinct
Chesapeake blue crab/Extinction status

Why is crabbing so bad this year?

While the coronavirus pandemic shuttered restaurants and battered the blue crab industry last year, 2021 has brought more bad news: Prices skyrocketed due to a shortage of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay, long a top producer of the “beautiful swimmer,” a species distinguished by its bright blue claws (Greenwire, April …

Why are there no blue crabs?

The decline is primarily due to a steep drop in juvenile crabs to their lowest level since the survey began in 1990, though a reduced number of adult males also contributed.

What’s better blue crab or Dungeness?

Compared to the delicate, sweet meat of blues, it was easy to detect the more complex nutty-briny flavor of the Dungeness, its meatier texture—which my East Coast pals liked, but it didn’t sway them from preferring their local crab. I had no delusions about changing their mind.

Why are blue crabs so expensive?

While it’s normal for the blue crab population to fluctuate from year to year, no one’s certain what caused this year’s steep decline. “Crabs are scarce this year because crabs periodically have been scarce, and prices are high because everybody wants to buy crabmeat here.”