Blue Crab Management Information

Blue Crab Annual Update

Results of the 2018 benchmark stock assessment indicate the Blue Crab stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring. Blue Crab are currently managed under Amendment 3 to the FMP and the 2023 Revision to Amendment 3. Available data indicate continued declining trends in the Blue Crab stock. The Division has started the process of developing a new benchmark stock assessment to better understand the current Blue Crab stock status. Comprehensive review of the Blue Crab FMP began in July 2026. The Amendment 3 adaptive management framework allows for management changes between comprehensive plan reviews. The MFC did not vote on adoption of a draft revision in 2025 that would have implemented additional management measures to reduce harvest.

Blue Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment Webinar

In May 2026, the Division's Stock Assessment Program hosted a public webinar to provide a description of the Division's stock assessment process, discuss the peer review of the 2023 NC Blue Crab Update Stock Assessment, and provide an update on progress made to-date on the 2026 NC Blue Crab Benchmark Stock Assessment.