Scientists studying the Chesapeake Bay’s iconic blue crab say the species is not currently considered overfished, but new research presented to the Chesapeake Bay Commission on Friday suggests the population may be less productive than previously believed.

Researchers have published a nearly 40-year study documenting just how prevalent cannibalism is in the Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population and how protecting shallow-water habitat could play a vital role in sustaining the Bay’s most iconic crustacean.

Maryland and Virginia have released the results of the 2025 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, showing decreased but stable populations of the crustaceans.