![]() "Blue crab production is highly variable and influenced by a number of factors. In 2022, there were slightly over 2 million male crabs five inches or larger per 1,000 square meters. Harvest levels for male crabs exceeded the conservation benchmark for the second consecutive year, raising concerns about whether such levels of exploitation could be sustained. Male crab numbers showed only a slight improvement from last year’s all-time low numbers. While juvenile crab numbers improved slightly when compared to 2022, the juvenile population remained below average for the fourth year in a row. The data also noted the adult female crab population increased when compared with last year. McClair noted there were many ongoing restoration efforts occurring throughout the watershed aimed at addressing water quality concerns. The ability of (nursery habitat) to grow and provide valuable areas, and the availability and quality of food sources are important in conservation efforts." "Water quality impacts the size and duration of dead zones, or hypoxic areas that occur annually in the Bay. "Improvements in water quality are key for all Chesapeake Bay species," said Genine McClair, Blue Crab Program manager for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. That year's total represented the lowest in the survey’s 33-year history. Despite historic decreases in the blue crab population the past three years, the report saw a small rebound of 323 million blue crabs in the Bay up from 227 million in 2022.
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