Feds to issue $20M for pinched crabbers

By PAMELA WOOD , Staff Writer

Published 11/18/08

The federal government will issue up to $20 million to help watermen affected by stricter crabbing regulations in the Chesapeake Bay, officials announced Tuesday.

The money will be split 50-50 between Maryland and Virginia watermen.

Earlier this year, the governors of the two states agreed to a series of regulations aimed at cutting down the crab harvest and allowing more females to survive and produce the next generation of crustaceans. Scientists have warned that the crab population is plummeting. Then federal politicians stepped in and asked the federal government to declare the crab fishery a disaster, based on the new restrictions and other problems, such as pollution.

Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez made a disaster declaration for peeler and soft crabs in September.

While the whole crab industry is suffering, the greatest losses have been among those who harvest soft and peeler crabs, said Monica Allen, a spokesman for the National Marine Fisheries Service, which is a division of the Department of Commerce.

The states will come up with plans for how the money will be used. A statement issued by Gov. Martin O’Malley indicates the money will be used for “habitat restoration, fishery monitoring and retraining for industry diversification into aquaculture opportunities.” Further details weren’t immediately offered.

“The funding offers a bridge to support the infrastructure of our hallmark blue crab fishery and helps ensure a stronger industry for the future,” Mr. O’Malley said.

How quickly the money is dispersed will depend on when the states file their plans with the federal government. There is no deadline.

“We know the governors of Virginia and Maryland have been thinking about this for awhile, so we expect it to go quickly,” Ms. Allen said.

pwood@capitalgazette.com

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Oh Please. - 2008-11-21 14:12:22

NONE of this money will actually get to the crabbers anyhow. You can see the teflon Leprechaun already has plans for it-

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Ted Ginnity - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

The money is coming from - 2008-11-20 19:45:53

The money is coming from....you guessed it SLOTS, Maryland's answer to everything. Oh wait, we wont see that revenue for a couple of years. Get ready for a tax hike I guess.

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Johnathan Locke - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Good

Dear Politicians - 2008-11-20 12:34:21

Please don't vote for this bail out. It is senseless and unnecessary. If by chance you vote for this bail out, I will make it my personal agenda to assure that you will never be voted into office again.

Thank you,
Citizens of Maryland and Virginia.

Copy and send to your delegates, congresspersons, senators, governors, councilpersons and any one else you can think of. We are citizens of the United States of American, and we DO have a voice. Just speak up.

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

$20M - 2008-11-19 15:29:51

Where is the $20M coming from? From those of us who actually PAY federal taxes. While I feel sorry for the men & woman who are trying to make a living crabbing, I can't understand why anyone with any brains would still be in that line of work. A bailout like this sends the wrong message. Cutting the cord now makes the most sense.

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Nick W. - Davidsonville, MD - Karma: Neutral

another bail out - 2008-11-19 09:57:01

Incredible, although I do feel for the waterman, this bail out is as ridiculous as all the others. When harvest was plentiful, did these same waterman pitch in extra to ensure their livelihoods? Or did the pocket all the profit and now cry the blues over the blue crab. Every one has seen this coming for YEARS, which offered plenty of time to plan.
Hey, my kids lemonaid stand suffered this summer due to lack of days over 100 degrees, any bail out for them??

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Debbie F. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Bad

Great News - 2008-11-18 22:13:49

This is the best way to save the crabs. Should have had female restrictions 20yrs. ago. This a system to save the crabs and I am sure it will work if we are able to Save the Bay. Have to do that too. Have to stop the toxic runoff and the sewage and the nitrogen. These are all big projects. We can do it. It is happening now. We all just have keep up the pressure and I believe trust the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. I have total faith in them at this point. CBF's come a long way from 1972 and the population has x20. Growth is expedenchial. Thats why we need the Critical Area Commission and all the other Bay related entities. Keep it rolling. Sincerely, BW

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B. White - Edgewater, MD - Karma: Bad

crabbers - 2008-11-18 17:40:10

Again...as the automotive industry, let private enterprise succed or fail on its own metrits. Stop bailing out every one who has put theirown business at risk (over crabbing for profit)

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ramarro smith - windsor mill, MD - Karma: Neutral