Hey everyone, Johnny here with Trout Supreme, bringing you the latest in seafood news—because knowing where your crab comes from matters.

Venezuelan Crab Season Goes Dark (Mid-August–September)

Starting mid-August, crab pots in Lake Maracaibo have to come out of the water as part of a newly launched conservation effort in Venezuela. That pause is scheduled to run through September 30th, giving the local crab population a much-needed break to rebuild.

It’s welcome news from overseas—but it also puts a spotlight on seafood substitutions that aren’t always labeled honestly. Between 2020 and 2024, over $44 million in Venezuelan crab meat was imported into the U.S.—often cheaper and, at times, mislabeled—which has made the market complicated for both restaurants and consumers.

Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs Still in Trouble

Back here at home, things aren’t looking much better. The 2025 Chesapeake Bay Winter Dredge Survey shows 238 million blue crabs in the bay—ouch. That’s the second lowest count since the surveys began in 1990 and represents a big drop from 317 million just a year ago.

The numbers are grim across the board:

• Adult males down to 26 million

• Spawning females at 108 million—well below healthy targets

• Juveniles plummeted to 103 million, putting future population stability at risk

Why the Drop?

It’s not just overfishing. Scientists suspect a mix of environmental pressure:

• Warmer winters and stormy shifts cause crab losses

• Habitat degradation—especially the erosion of underwater grasses young crabs need

• Predators like invasive blue catfish are gobbling up juveniles

Maryland and Virginia are working on a renewed stock assessment due in 2026, which should shed light on long-term trends and inform better conservation policies.

Why It Matters to Us All

• Trust & traceability are key—when imports slow or spike, it ripples through the entire seafood system.

• Our beloved Maryland blue crab is iconic, not just delicious. Yet its future depends on smart regulation, habitat restoration, and ongoing public awareness.

Thanks for following along with this update. At Trout Supreme, our commitment runs deep—to transparency, quality, and serving seafood that’s both delicious and responsible.

Got questions about sourcing, seasonality, or want to talk menu strategy? We are here for you.

— Johnny T, Trout Supreme Seafood