Crab season from "summary" of BEAUTIFUL SWIMMERS by WILLIAM W. WARNER
During the spring and summer months, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay come alive with the annual ritual known as "Crab season." This is the time when the blue crabs, known scientifically as Callinectes sapidus, begin their migration towards the shallow waters of the bay to mate and spawn. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, the blue crabs emerge from their winter slumber and start their journey towards the bay. They are driven by instinct, following the scent of the pheromones released by the females. The males, with their vibrant blue claws, are the first to arrive, eager to find a mate and continue the cycle of life. The females, with their rounded aprons and smaller claws, follow soon after, ready to release their eggs into the water. The males will then fertilize these eggs, ensuring the next generation of blue crabs. This period of mating and spawning is crucial for the survival of the species, as it replenishes the population and ensures the continuation of the crab fishery. During Crab season, watermen and crabbers take to the waters in search of these prized crustaceans. Armed with crab pots and trotlines, they set out to catch the elusive blue crabs, navigating the maze of channels and oyster beds that make up the bay. It is a time-honored tradition, passed down from generation to generation, and an essential part of the culture and economy of the Chesapeake Bay region. As the summer progresses, the blue crabs reach their peak abundance, providing a bountiful harvest for those who rely on them for their livelihood. Restaurants and seafood markets are filled with fresh blue crabs, steamed and seasoned to perfection, ready to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. And as the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to cool, the blue crabs will once again begin their journey back to the depths of the bay, marking the end of another successful Crab season.
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