National Fisherman

Highliner Nominations Are Now Open – Submit Your Nomination for the 2026 Highliner Class. <<<

Blue Crab

The 2022 Chesapeake Bay blue crab dredge survey showed an historic low for crabs in the bay. Results from the annual winter survey now show 2025 will have the second lowest population estimate. Larry Chowning photo.

Survey shows Chesapeake crab population second lowest since 1990

NF Staff

N.C. blue crabbers are left waiting and worrying as state regulators float new restrictions on the fishery. Photo by Brittany Mason / Shutterstock

Tensions rise over blue crab fishery plan

Carli Clancy

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted Oct. 28 to keep the winter crab dredge fishery closed in 2024-25. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

Virginia keeps ban on winter crab dredging

Larry Chowning

Photo by NOAA Fisheries

S.C. blue crabber says quarry ‘mean as hell’

NF Aggregator

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission is expected to extend a ban on crab dredging after a public hearing in October. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

VMRC advertises to ban winter crab dredging

Larry Chowning

Virginia’s Crab Management Advisory Committee recommended that the state Marine Resources Commission not reopen the crab dredge fishery. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

Virginia crab advisors recommend against winter dredge season

Larry Chowning

Photo by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis

Commentary: S.C. blue crab laws strengthened at last

NF Aggregator

66 major wastewater treatment plants discharge into the bay, with five located within the bay area, directly impacting the species living in that region of water. Photo by Jay Fleming

Blue crabbers speak out about wastewater dumping

Carli Clancy

Vandals destroy TikTok waterman’s new boat

NF Aggregator

Md. nervously awaiting Va. winter crab dredge decision

NF Aggregator

The deck boat Thomas W. was being worked here in the Virginia's crab dredge fishery before it was banned in 2008. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission repealed the 15-year ban in June 2024. Larry Chowning photo.

Larry_Chowning

Virginia regulators move to repeal crab dredge ban

Larry Chowning