image description

Crab Prices Nearly Double in Maryland Since Last Summer

July 19th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

The cost of crabs being served in Maryland restaurants has nearly doubled from year to year, according to a recent survey.

Some of that increase appears to be the result of scarcity caused by Maryland's chronic labor shortage. Businesses reportedly are having a hard time finding employees to pick the meat out of the crab's sharp shells.

However, there is also a notable shortage at the source: State officials estimate there are about 282 million crabs in the Chesapeake Bay, which is well below the 2020 estimate of 405 million.