CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — There may be more Chesapeake Bay blue crabs to go around this summer, according to a new survey showing signs of recovery in the Bay’s crab population.
The annual winter dredge survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources found the total blue crab population rose to 349 million crabs this year — a 46% increase from 2025.
Scientists said one of the most encouraging findings was the increase in juvenile crabs, which could help support future harvests for commercial watermen later this year…