MARYLAND — The latest Blue Crab Advisory Report shows a sharp decline in blue crab populations in the Chesapeake Bay. The report, based on the 2024-2025 Winter Dredge Survey, reveals the overall population fell by about 25 percent compared to last year. Juvenile crabs were the hardest hit, dropping from 138 million to 103 million. The male population fell to 26 million, the lowest recorded since 1990. Female crabs decreased to 108 million, staying above the minimum threshold but well below the management target.
Researchers say winter mortality was slightly higher than in past years but remains below the 30-year average. The female harvest in 2024 also dropped significantly, by 16.5 million pounds compared to the long-term average. Possible causes for the population decline include reduced habitat, increased predation, and changing environmental conditions such as salinity and low oxygen levels. Scientists are continuing to analyze the data and explore strategies to support blue crab recovery. The full report is available online at chesapeakebay.net.
