Login

r/EastVirginia

▲ 17 r/EastVirginia+3 crossposts

VMRC press release: 2026 Winter Dredge Survey Shows Improved Blue Crab Abundance in Chesapeake Bay

>HAMPTON, VA – Results of the 2026 Bay-wide Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey show a 46% increase in the abundance of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay, for a total population of 349 million crabs. This increase comes despite another cold winter, which increased the overwintering mortality of crabs throughout the bay and caused cold-stun events in several finfish species throughout Virginia. Overall, the results suggest improved conditions for the 2026 fishery.

>The Winter Dredge Survey found the total estimated population of blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay increased from 238 million crabs in the winter of 2024-2025 to 349 million crabs in the winter of 2025-2026. This was driven mainly by an increase of 120% in juvenile blue crabs, up to 228 million juveniles. Adult male crab abundance also increased, from 26 million to 37 million crabs. The adult female population, however, declined to 81 million. Similar conditions were observed following the severe winter conditions experienced in 2014. While overwintering mortality was also elevated during that period, the blue crab population demonstrated resilience and rebounded in subsequent years without long-term impacts to the stock.

>Over the last 15 years, blue crab fishery managers in Virginia, Maryland, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission have used the annual Winter Dredge Survey estimates to help inform management for the coming fishing season. Additional information on the blue crab population is also anticipated through the completion of a bay-wide benchmark stock assessment. Managers will review that information alongside other ongoing monitoring efforts as it becomes available.

>The Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee (CBSAC), an advisory group under the Chesapeake Bay Program, met on May 13 to discuss the results from the 2025-26 Winter Dredge Survey and the upcoming release of the benchmark stock assessment. Their analysis of the Winter Dredge Survey will be published in the full CBSAC Annual Report this June. The results of the Winter Dredge Survey will also be presented to the Crab Management Advisory Committee in a public meeting on May 27, 2026, at 4 PM. (Emphasis added)

reddit.com
u/susiecambria — 2 days ago
🔥 Hot ▲ 6.9k r/EastVirginia+2 crossposts

Why don’t Americans use roundabouts like civilized people? Are they stupid?

EU-funded rural megaproject in Hungary.

u/Asleep-itsnew25z0 — 5 days ago
▲ 986 r/EastVirginia+2 crossposts

Cascade Falls, Pembroke Virginia (20 minutes from Blacksburg)

This is a 4 mile (around) hike with an easy trail and a medium-hard, more scenic, rocky trail along the creek. The hike features:

• Fun, strategically placed rocks and rock stairs - incorporating the terrain to never look out of place or be in the way.

• Massive boulders with little caves to take pictures in. All the rocks are big and beautiful.

• Roaring rapids, lots of spots to stop and play in the creek or take pictures. Water ambience during the whole hike. Music would be a sin.

• Natural benches on the trail, picnic tables in the parking lot. Lots of sitting rocks at the falls.

• You can swim at the falls but you must be very careful. There are strong currents and everything is slick. People have died here before. You cannot climb the falls but you can take a trail towards basically the top.

• Old copper moonshine still that’s incredibly intact.

Overall it is a very engaging, pretty, and doable hike for anyone, including kids and dogs. All completely shaded and usually takes 2-3 hours to get to the falls and back. There is usually not a ton of people there either so it’s quite peaceful. Check it out in southwest Virginia!

u/Asleep-itsnew25z0 — 7 days ago
▲ 15 r/EastVirginia+1 crossposts

Your front lawn grass vs the Chesapeake Bay?

https://news.nationgraph.com/articles/virginia-localities-are-racing-a-seven-week-deadline-to-prove-theyve-cleaned-up-the-bay

"The emergency has two clocks running at once. The first is already past: Virginia's VESM Regulation (9VAC25-875) took full effect on July 1, 2025, tightening the phosphorus discharge standard for new development from 0.41 to 0.26 pounds per acre per year and making the new VRRM 4.1 compliance methodology mandatory for every stormwater plan submitted after that date. A one-year transition period had given the design community time to adapt; as of last July there was no further grace. "

u/Ocean_Heat_1117 — 6 days ago
▲ 6 r/EastVirginia+2 crossposts

Looking for a nice waterfront spot in Eastern Virginia for a get together this Fall. Waterfront or close to the water, maybe just off the Bay. Tidewater area focus.

A group of older HS friends, roughly 12-15 guys and various wives and such. Friends for 50-60 years. Looking for a spot for a long weekend. Considering Va Beach but freshwater might be nice. Maybe Northern Neck or somewhere inland with decent amenitites. Urbanna? Deltaville? Other options? Appreciate the help, Tidewater experts.

reddit.com
u/CarolinaStewPie — 8 days ago
▲ 27 r/EastVirginia+2 crossposts

Virginia SUN Bucks (food for kids during the summer) is back!

Virginia SUN Bucks helps eligible families pay for groceries during summer break, when most schools are closed. In 2026, each eligible school‑age child will receive a one‑time $120 benefit. Benefits will be added to your household’s SNAP EBT card. Eligible families who do not have a SNAP EBT card will be mailed a separate Virginia SUN Bucks card that works like a debit card.

You can use SUN Bucks to buy groceries — including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat — at grocery stores, farmers markets and other businesses that accept SNAP EBT benefits.

More info: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/relief/food-assistance/sunbucks/

https://preview.redd.it/fzjo1fwxop0h1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53a11802df625e6264d5aaab60d9c560365a27a5

reddit.com
u/susiecambria — 8 days ago