In a deal favored by conservationists, regulators and watermen, Virginia will allow blue crabs to be harvested from the Chesapeake Bay an extra two weeks this year but will require a new collection system next year that's expected to limit catches of the prized seafood.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted unanimously for the compromise package Monday, which comes as seafood interests look to take advantage of a crab resurgence in recent years and as conservationists worry about blowing such gains.
Under the terms, watermen can continue gathering crabs through Dec. 15 – just in time for the holiday season – instead of stopping next week. Officials estimate an additional 350,000 pounds of crabs will be brought to market.
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