Virginia and Maryland in spat over Chesapeake Bay crabbing plans

A Virginia commission’s decision to strike down a ban on the winter dredge harvesting of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay drew sharp criticism from Maryland officials and regional environmentalists, who say it will further jeopardize the crab population and undermine efforts to protect the bay’s ecosystem. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), a state agency responsible for the commonwealth’s marine life, voted 5-4 Tuesday to repeal the prohibition on winter crab dredging in Virginia waters and to explore the establishment of a year-round crab fishery.