Virginian-Pilot / Crabs

[hookinfinger]

This is a article from the Virginian-Pilot.

I thought some of you folks would like to read it.



ARTICLE: Catch data suggest sustained crab harvest dip (The Virginian-Pilot - HamptonRoads.com/PilotOnline.com) (http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=135438&ran=188800)






Dennis

[normmag]

I feel that the taking of female crabs in the bay should be banned for 2 years & you would see a big increase of crabs out there . Virginian crabers have been taking way to many female crabs & I don't understand why this hasen't been stopped or a lower limit on catching them been adopted

[JimRockfish]

Normag - I hope everyone takes a minute to read this article. The attitude stated that 70 % of VA crabs are female and restricting taking of females would wreck their industry is rather short-sighted, don't you think? They would rather kill the industry altogether for a few more years of crabbing... instead of protecting the lon term health of the species. Frustrating. Jim

[stingray]

Anyone on here know what winter crab dredging in VA yields in terms of real dollars to the crabbers? Would stopping it ruin their crab industry?

Just curious, we don't have crabbing in MD during the winter.

A simplistic view would be that there are two answers:
1. It would affect their industry greatly. That would mean that they must catch a hell of a lot of egg bearing FM's.

or

2. It is a small fraction of the industry's take. If that's the case, seems to me that they could be compensated for the difference to leave em alone for a few yrs.

I'm sure it's more complicated than this. Right?

[craig15]

Its a damn shame its always about somebody making a dollar. STOP CATCHING FEMALES. At least for two years, something has to change

[Virginia Addie 2]

How about instead of banning it all togeather the female size to be legal should be raised.

[normmag]

I surley wouldn't want any bodys lively hood distroyed but something must be done . Even a 1 year ban on catching females would make a great big difference . Maybe they could be compensated for that year , like farmers were . being paid not to do something sure beats wrecking the whole industry . That's just my opinion

[Virginia Addie 2]

I surley wouldn't want any bodys lively hood distroyed but something must be done . Even a 1 year ban on catching females would make a great big difference . Maybe they could be compensated for that year , like farmers were . being paid not to do something sure beats wrecking the whole industry . That's just my opinion

That could cost a whole lot out of the tax payers pockets. Not saying it's a bad idea, but I think it would be tough to get through.

[Hokiecrab]

How about baning peeler potting which specifically target mating female for sake of cheap soft crabs.
Like a crabber friend told me not long ago ..."we won't catch the last one" I thought he was right then ..now I'm not so sure.Price of crabs keeps them in the game.