On Wednesday, August 7, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Delaware Sea Grant will host a Crab Pot Jamboree on the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes, Delaware.  

The aim of the event is to celebrate Delaware’s blue crabs, an important part of Delaware’s ecosystem and culture, while educating the public on best crabbing practices.

The day will feature several crab related activities including lessons about the biology of blue crabs, the science behind side-scan sonar and the use of side-scan sonar for locating and recovering derelict or lost crab pots, as well as education about responsible recreational crabbing and the impacts of abandoned and lost crab pots. The day will also include the opportunity for participants to refurbish their recreational crab pots to help ensure they meet current regulations and best practices.

Joanna York, director of Delaware Sea Grant, said the main goal of the workshop is to provide information to crabbers about best practices for rigging and maintaining crab pots.

“Importantly, this helps to reduce marine debris, in the form of abandoned crab pots, in our recreational waterways,” said York. “We will also be showcasing our partnerships in the community which have been integral to achieving our goals and we'll have lots of information about crab populations and other fun facts. We look forward to welcoming the public to this event.”

The event will have local and national dignitaries on hand including Jainey Bavishi, assistant secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce and deputy administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Jonathan Pennock, director of the National Sea Grant College Program, as well as an alum of UD’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment, and Stephanie Hansen, Delaware State Senator. A short welcome presentation will take place at 10:30 a.m.

There will also be information on the current research being conducted at the University of Delaware’s Hugh R. Sharp campus via tours and volunteer opportunities will be available for those interested to assist with derelict crab pot removal events. The UDairy Creamery’s Moo Mobile, a full sized ice cream truck, will also be on hand.  

Brittany Haywood, coastal ecology specialist for Delaware Sea Grant, said that according to the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays’ State of the Bays report, populations of blue crabs in Delaware are stable. Just because they are stable, however, doesn’t mean that Delawareans shouldn’t remain vigilant about how to protect such an important species.

“They are a big fishery in Delaware as a whole and a lot of our habitats serve as nurseries for blue crabs,” said Haywood. “We are hoping participants learn more about the blue crab fishery and how to sustainably continue to fish for blue crabs in a way that allows them to continue to thrive in the future. We want to ensure a sustainable fishery and protect the habitats from marine debris.”

For more information about the event, contact Haywood at haywoobl@udel.edu.