2016 East Coast She Crab Soup Classic

Restaurants and chefs from around Hampton Roads will gather to compete for the title of “Best She Crab Soup” at the East Coast She Crab Soup Classic April 9 at the 24th Street Park along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Guests are invited to sample an entry from each of 22 competing restaurants.  Based on tastings, there are two categories for best recipe winners; People’s Choice Awards and Critic’s Choice Awards.

For more information, visit beachstreetusa.com

source: City of Virginia Beach

Virginia 2009-2010 Ghost Pot Program Results

Commercial watermen pulled up more than 9,000 derelict so-called “ghost pots” from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries this winter, and scoured shallow waters in the second year of Virginia’s landmark Marine Debris Removal Program.

The program, funded by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and implemented by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, paid the watermen to use side-imaging sonar units to detect and retrieve abandoned crab pots and other marine debris that litter the water bottoms. This targeted retrieval method minimizes disturbance to the bottom.

66 watermen participants were paid $300 a day, and were compensated for their fuel costs. Many were equipped for the first time to search shallow waters, which proved to be a successful expansion of the program.

source: VMRC press release

Virginia Blue Crabs

Virginia is famous for its blue crabs, mostly in the Chesapeake Bay. Commercial crabbers supply much of the region with top quality crabs. Blue crabs are served steamed whole, as fried or broiled soft crabs, or in dishes such as crabcakes.