Delmarva Crab Prices Soar to $525 a Bushel as Fuel Costs Squeeze Watermen
Updated
Updated · WBOC TV 16 · Jun 16
Delmarva Crab Prices Soar to $525 a Bushel as Fuel Costs Squeeze Watermen
2 articles · Updated · WBOC TV 16 · Jun 16
Summary
Jumbo crab prices on Delmarva now range from $300 to $525 a bushel, with watermen and seafood sellers saying high fuel costs are driving up what it takes to fish and what consumers pay.
Boat fuel is hitting crews before they leave the dock, and operators say higher gas prices are also lifting the cost of bait, gear and repairs across the seafood supply chain.
Wholesale pressure has intensified as some watermen take catches directly to city buyers for better prices, while retailers such as Choptank Crab and Oyster Company are leaning on early-week sales to hold down customer prices.
Delmarva Fisheries Association President Robert Newberry said watermen are also seeing record numbers of small crabs, a sign the season could strengthen and prices may ease in July through September.