2 months ago
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Department of Natural Resources says it is moving to eliminate a nine-day closure period for harvesting female blue crabs.
For the 2010, the closure period would have been from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4. But DNR fishery scientists, citing a 60 percent increase in the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population, believe this adjustment will not jeopardize harvest targets.
The closure was implemented last year, as were season-long daily catch limits and other closed periods to ensure appropriate harvest levels of female crabs.
The fishery will close the female harvest on Nov. 10, as scheduled.
Gov. Martin O'Malley says the decision was made after consulting with Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
Virginia is extending the allowable period for the harvest of female dark sponge crabs by 14 days.
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