US EditionChesapeake Blue Crab Numbers Drop To Second-Lowest Number In Recent History
- Maryland and Virginia’s latest survey estimates the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population at 238 million for 2025, marking the second-lowest count recorded since the monitoring program began in 1990.
- The decline occurred after a winter with several cold snaps that caused high mortality, and factors like habitat loss and invasive predators also contributed.
- Population drops affected all segments, with adult males decreasing by 43% to 26 million, females at 108 million above threshold but below target, and juveniles down 25% to 103 million.
- Mandy Bromilow reported a significant increase in blue crab deaths this past winter, which is believed to be caused by multiple cold spells, while the Chesapeake Bay Foundation described the population levels as alarmingly low.
- Officials await a 2026 stock assessment for detailed causes and urge cautious management to support sustainable blue crab populations amid ongoing environmental threats.
17 Articles
17 Articles
‘Red flags’ for blue crabs: Chesapeake Bay population down 25% since last year
The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population has fallen to its second-lowest level since 1990, down 25% from last year, according to an annual study published Thursday. The numbers are alarming, environmental scientists say — but all hope is not lost. There were an estimated 317 million blue crabs in the bay this time last year, according to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, an annual project carried out jointly by the Maryland Dep…
Maryland's Chesapeake Bay sees concerning drop in blue crab population
By Christian Olaniran Click here for updates on this story Maryland (WJZ) — Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay is seeing a concerning drop in its population of blue crabs, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). The survey, conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Maryland Department of Natural Resources, estimated total crab abundance at 238 million, the lowest count since surveys began in 1990. According to the report, th…
Chesapeake Blue Crab Numbers Drop To Second-Lowest Number In Recent History
Chesapeake Blue Crab Numbers Dropped In 2025, Survey Reveals - Annapolis, MD - The VA Institute of Marine Science and the MD Department of Natural Resources released results of their winter dredge survey for blue crabs.
Blue crab population hits second-lowest level since 1990 in the Chesapeake Bay
Blue crabs await measurement during the 2024 winter dredge survey. (Photo by Joe Zimmermann/Maryland Department of Natural Resources)Blue crab abundance in the Chesapeake Bay this year was at its second-lowest level since winter dredge surveys began in 1990, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. But the department is holding strong on the current harvest regulations, said Mandy Bromilow, blue crab program manager at the depa…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
