For years, Virginia enacted rules and limits for catching blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay based on scientific targets, each designed to protect the prized species and prevent overfishing.
On Tuesday, state officials learned those numerical targets are significantly flawed, and that new, stricter estimates are soon to be unveiled, which likely will lead to tougher crabbing regulations.
When the final numbers are released Aug. 9, they almost certainly will spark a new row between watermen, who harvest crabs under government limits, and the scientists and regulators who design and approve them.
Watermen have long been suspicious of the scientific models and mathematical equations and question the accuracy and motivations of fishery biologists, accusing them of chasing grant money and not listening to those who make their living on the water.
Read the complete story from The Virginian Pilot Online.