The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has repealed its longstanding prohibition against crab dredging in Virginia waters.
The VMRC approved the repeal of the closure of the upcoming winter commercial dredge season by a 5-4 margin during its June 25 meeting. Commissioners also voted unanimously to have staff develop a crab dredge regulation to be voted on in September.
The decision to repeal the prohibition came in spite of the commission’s own staff recommending that it should remain in place, as well as written public comment from 186 people who expressed opposition to allowing crab dredging in Virginia waters.
Four members of the public spoke during the public hearing, and all expressed opposition to reopening the fishery. The meeting was recorded, and that recording is the basis of this report.
David O’Brien of NOAA Fisheries urged commissioners to “be guided by the best available science,” while Chris Moore of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation said that there was an increase in fema...