Since female-specific regulations were implemented in 2008, the average adult female blue crab abundance has doubled from the previous decade. Since data collection began in 1990, the abundance of adult female blue crabs has peaked three times: first in 1991 when abundance reached 227 million, second in 2010 when abundance reached 246 million and third in 2017 when abundance reached a record-high 254 million. Where annual adult female blue crab abundance falls in relation to these numbers informs management decisions for the blue crab fishery. The female-specific reference points associated with this outcome were recommended in the 2011 blue crab benchmark stock assessment and adopted by Maryland, Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) in 2012 and were updated at the 2017 blue crab benchmark stock assessment. The Blue Crab Abundance Outcome is on course and is expected to be met by 2025.Īdult Female Blue Crab Abundance (1990-2021)īlue crabs support commercial and recreational fisheries across the region.
The adult female blue crab abundance has not fallen below the threshold since 2014, indicating that the population is sustainable. Blue crab abundance in the Chesapeake Bay is expected to exhibit annual fluctuations as a result of this natural variability, as seen in recent years. Blue crab populations exhibit natural variability due to their biology and environmental factors such as temperature, coastal currents, weather patterns, and predation. This number is above the new 72.5 million threshold which is considered to be the minimum sustainable level for female blue crabs in the Bay, but lower than the new target of 196 million. The threshold abundance of 70 million mature adult female crabs (age 1+) increased to 72.5 million, and the target abundance of 215 million adult females decreased to 196 million, based on the best available science.īetween 20, the abundance of adult (age 1+) female blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay increased 12% from 141 million to 158 million. In November 2020, the three jurisdictions (Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission) formally adopted new female-specific reference points generated by the 2017 blue crab stock assessment update, which included more recent survey and harvest data.
Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention Outcome.Water Quality Standards Attainment and Monitoring Outcome.2025 Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) Outcome.2017 Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) Outcome.Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Outcome.
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