Blame the long, cold winter. Female blue crabs capable of reproducing have fallen below the level state officials consider safe.
An annual winter survey released recently by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission estimated 69 million females in the Chesapeake Bay, a notch below the minimum target of 70 million.
VMRC Commissioner John M.R. Bull called the figure "disappointing."
Management strategies, such as shortening the crabbing season, will be discussed at the agency's June meeting.
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