The Virginia Marine Resources Commission, meeting on June 25 in Newport News, moved to increase blue crab catch limits for the November portion of the season, citing a strong 2018-19 juvenile crab population and conditions for this season being “more favorable for harvest success by recreational and commercial harvesters.”

VMRC staff estimates that, while the change will result in an increased harvest, “increased abundance alone in 2019 will be more extensive than the modest increase in commercial harvest expected from the change of the November bushel limit.” The November changes are expected to increase to total harvest for the year by 0.5 percent.

In terms of raw bushel numbers, those with up to 85 crab pots will be able to harvest 10 bushels instead of the previous figure of eight during November. The 127 crab pot license level will see an increase from 10 bushels to 14 bushels. License holders for 170 crab pots will move from 13 to 18 bushels while those ...