Scientists say the blue crab population in Chesapeake Bay was at its second lowest level in 17 years this fall, endangering an important Maryland fishery.

Crabbers and state regulators share the blame with pollution and global warming, scientists told The Washington Post. They said Maryland and Virginia have allowed too many crabs to be taken every year.

The crab population is down to about one-third of its 1993 level.

Blue crabs have survived during decades that have seen the end of sturgeon and shad in the bay, victims of human greed and -- in the case of shad -- dam-building that has hampered annual migrations upriver to spawn. The oyster industry has also collapsed.

Crabs are comparatively tolerant of pollution, and females produce millions of eggs. But the bay now has dead zones that smother crabs.

"Now it appears that even the hardy blue crab is approaching its breaking point," said Howard Ernst, a professor at the U.S. Naval Academy.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 18 November 2007   

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