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VIMS scientists critique research linking osprey declines to menhaden industry

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2024 Chesapeake Bay dead zone near average size but shorter duration

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Chesapeake Bay inches closer to national park status

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I’m trying to find an inshore guide who would pick up from the Tides Inn in Irvington. TIA! 

<div class="md"><p>I’m trying to find an inshore guide who would pick up from the Tides Inn in Irvington. TIA! </p>
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Looking for Fishing Guides - Irvington, Virginia (Tides Inn) 

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Trump tried to cancel Chesapeake Bay funding. Could he succeed this time?

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Maryland considers replacing Bay Bridge with new, wider spans along path of current crossing | Public hearings will be held in Annapolis, Stevensville and online in December

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I’m not from the Chesapeake area but spent quite some time there in the summer and in the water I heard the water in the Chesapeake Bay around the MD area is not the cleanest while in the bay. I got some cuts on my legs but ever since I’ve been home, I’ve been getting these gnarly infections/cysts on my body under in skin eg a couple in between my legs and one on my hip, , which I’ve never gotten before. Could this be from the bacteria in the bay?? TIA 

<div class="md"><p>I’m not from the Chesapeake area but spent quite some time there in the summer and in the water I heard the water in the Chesapeake Bay around the MD area is not the cleanest while in the bay. I got some cuts on my legs but ever since I’ve been home, I’ve been getting these gnarly infections/cysts on my body under in skin eg a couple in between my legs and one on my hip, , which I’ve never gotten before. Could this be from the bacteria in the bay?? TIA </p>
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Can the Chesapeake bay cause bodily infections eg cysts ? 

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Will a cleaner Chesapeake Bay mean more fish and crabs? It’s complicated

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**CONTACT**: Zach Widgeon, PIO, (757) 247-2200, [Zachary.widgeon@mrc.virginia.gov](mailto:Zachary.widgeon@mrc.virginia.gov)

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**: 10/28/2024



**Hampton, VA — On October 28, 2024**, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted to close the winter dredging season for blue crabs for the 2024/2025 season. After extensive consideration of scientific data, public input, and recommendations from VMRC staff, the Crab Management Advisory Committee (CMAC), and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the Commission made the decision to prioritize ongoing conservation measures for the blue crab population. The final vote was 6-1.

This decision underscores VMRC’s adaptive management approach to ensure the long-term health of the blue crab fishery. By continually analyzing the fishery and the various harvesting methods, VMRC uses the best available science to make informed decisions that balance ecological protection with the needs of the fishing industry.

VMRC Commissioner Jamie Green praised the collaborative effort of VMRC staff and CMAC, stating, “This is a win for blue crabs and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. Our ability to assess the crab fishery holistically, consider all gear types, and adapt our strategies based on the latest data is critical to keeping this vital resource healthy. I want to thank VMRC staff and CMAC for their hard work and thoughtful consideration of all the factors and for helping us to find the best path forward. This is a good day if you truly care about blue crabs and the livelihood of those they affect.”

In June 2024, VMRC repealed the prohibition on crab dredging, which had been in place since 2008, after a recommendation from a CMAC vote in May of 2024. This repeal was made to explore future management options for the fishery. Although this opened the possibility of a winter dredge fishery, the Commission ultimately voted to close the 2024/2025 winter season to protect overwintering female crabs. VMRC staff will remain focused on creating a regulatory framework for winter dredging, should conditions in the blue crab fishery permit its reintroduction in the future.

In addition to the winter dredging closure, the Commission also voted on the 2024/2025 crab pot season, opting to maintain the status quo. Under this decision, the crab pot season will end on **December 16** and reopen on **March 17**. The decision to continue status quo season dates was based on careful consideration of industry feedback and scientific advice and ensures that the crab pot fishery operates within sustainable boundaries.

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<div class="md"><p><strong>CONTACT</strong>: Zach Widgeon, PIO, (757) 247-2200, [<a href="mailto:Zachary.widgeon@mrc.virginia.gov">Zachary.widgeon@mrc.virginia.gov</a>](mailto:<a href="mailto:Zachary.widgeon@mrc.virginia.gov">Zachary.widgeon@mrc.virginia.gov</a>)</p>

<p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong>: 10/28/2024</p>

<p><strong>Hampton, VA — On October 28, 2024</strong>, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted to close the winter dredging season for blue crabs for the 2024/2025 season. After extensive consideration of scientific data, public input, and recommendations from VMRC staff, the Crab Management Advisory Committee (CMAC), and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the Commission made the decision to prioritize ongoing conservation measures for the blue crab population. The final vote was 6-1.</p>

<p>This decision underscores VMRC’s adaptive management approach to ensure the long-term health of the blue crab fishery. By continually analyzing the fishery and the various harvesting methods, VMRC uses the best available science to make informed decisions that balance ecological protection with the needs of the fishing industry.</p>

<p>VMRC Commissioner Jamie Green praised the collaborative effort of VMRC staff and CMAC, stating, “This is a win for blue crabs and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. Our ability to assess the crab fishery holistically, consider all gear types, and adapt our strategies based on the latest data is critical to keeping this vital resource healthy. I want to thank VMRC staff and CMAC for their hard work and thoughtful consideration of all the factors and for helping us to find the best path forward. This is a good day if you truly care about blue crabs and the livelihood of those they affect.”</p>

<p>In June 2024, VMRC repealed the prohibition on crab dredging, which had been in place since 2008, after a recommendation from a CMAC vote in May of 2024. This repeal was made to explore future management options for the fishery. Although this opened the possibility of a winter dredge fishery, the Commission ultimately voted to close the 2024/2025 winter season to protect overwintering female crabs. VMRC staff will remain focused on creating a regulatory framework for winter dredging, should conditions in the blue crab fishery permit its reintroduction in the future.</p>

<p>In addition to the winter dredging closure, the Commission also voted on the 2024/2025 crab pot season, opting to maintain the status quo. Under this decision, the crab pot season will end on <strong>December 16</strong> and reopen on <strong>March 17</strong>. The decision to continue status quo season dates was based on careful consideration of industry feedback and scientific advice and ensures that the crab pot fishery operates within sustainable boundaries.</p>

<p>###</p>
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VMRC Votes to Close Winter Dredging, Finalizes Crab Pot Season (press release)

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As Osprey Populations Struggle, Managers Continue Deliberations on Chesapeake Bay Menhaden | Precautionary measures needed to protect menhaden-dependent ecosystem

Baltimore Is Investing in Wetlands Restoration, a Climate Line of Defense

Virginia hasn’t harvested bay scallops in almost a century. Officials hope that could change soon.

Virginia group asks state to rein in cruise ship pollution in the Bay

Fairfax County awaits clarity from state on new Chesapeake Bay protection rules for developers

Three New Large-Scale Oyster Restoration Sanctuaries Planned for Maryland's Portion of Chesapeake Bay

Opinion: Chesapeake restoration collapsing on altar of political expediency

I read an article about the Chesapeake Bay but it was pretty vague about the description of the formation. I would love a bit more expansion on how the meteor carved the valleys and the glaciers formed the body of wataer. 

<div class="md"><p>I read an article about the Chesapeake Bay but it was pretty vague about the description of the formation. I would love a bit more expansion on how the meteor carved the valleys and the glaciers formed the body of wataer. </p>
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Questions about the formation of the Chesapeake Bay??

Coastal Virginia could lose a majority of its wetlands to sea level rise. Can we save them?

Where are the rockfish good now? We’ve been out to Thomas point LH a few times with no luck. Is anyone catching anything substantial yet in that area? 

<div class="md"><p>Where are the rockfish good now? We’ve been out to Thomas point LH a few times with no luck. Is anyone catching anything substantial yet in that area? </p>
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Where are the rockfish biting?  (located  in the middle, near the south river/bay bridge) 

Maryland Lawmakers Weigh Next Steps as Chesapeake Bay Expected to Miss 2025 Restoration Goals

Virginia commission reverses decision to reopen winter crab dredging

Study Links Menhaden Depletion to Osprey Chicks Starving in Nests

Yesterday, one of my shrimp was feeling pretty and decided to let me take some pictures! Im looking for some brackish tolerant algae for my grass shrimp (P. pugio) from a Choptank tributary. I've got some hair grass in there but it's from a FW tank and isn't really thriving.

<div class="md"><p>Yesterday, one of my shrimp was feeling pretty and decided to let me take some pictures! Im looking for some brackish tolerant algae for my grass shrimp (P. pugio) from a Choptank tributary. I&#39;ve got some hair grass in there but it&#39;s from a FW tank and isn&#39;t really thriving.</p>
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Locally sourced brackish algae for a small brackish shrimptank?

Commentary: EPA and Bay states are greenwashing Chesapeake Bay progress

Annapolis Baygrass Music Festival: Jam to Save the Bay ("takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 21–22")

EPA awards $23.8 million for Chesapeake Bay watershed restoration projects

Chesapeake Bay ospreys are struggling to maintain population, researchers say

Winter crabbing strained Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population. It may soon resume

I included as few pixels as I was able to ❤️

<div class="md"><p>I included as few pixels as I was able to ❤️</p>
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Tangier Island, VA as viewed from the air this morning

Virginia may pause effort to allow dredging for crabs during winter

<div class="md"><p>The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in North America and has 17 million people living in it&#39;s 64 thousand square mile watershed. This page is for anything related to the Bay and its streams and rivers.</p>
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Looking for Fishing Guides - Irvington, Virginia (Tides Inn)

Can the Chesapeake bay cause bodily infections eg cysts ?

VMRC Votes to Close Winter Dredging, Finalizes Crab Pot Season (press release)

Questions about the formation of the Chesapeake Bay??

Where are the rockfish biting? (located in the middle, near the south river/bay bridge)

Tangier Island, VA as viewed from the air this morning