Crab, specifically Blue Crab, is a staple of life on the Northern Neck. Residents all along the Rappahannock River take great pride in the food sources provided by the river. If you take a boat trip down the Rappahannock River and visit some of it's many tributaries, you'll definitely find crab fishing. Crab are harvested commercially but many of the pots and traps serve as a hobby/food source to river residents.

Similar to Oysters, external factors such as fertilizer, harvesting, and drainage has led to a reduced population of crab. Fisherman are some of the biggest supporters of protecting crab in the Rappahannock and Cheasapeake as they depend on healthy populations to support their livelyhood. Extensive efforts by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and non-profit organizations have put in place legislation and grants to support the overall health of the rivers that drain into the Cheasapeake Bay to preserve the rich habitat it provides.

'Picking' crab is a fun, unique experience that helps us appreciate what the tidal waters provide. Many people are apprehensive about being able to eat a crab. If you don't know, or are unsure about how to eat them, it can be a frustrating, long process that doesn't satisfy your appetite. There are youtube videos that will help you get the most meat out of a crab below is just one of many:

Whether you like to eat crab or just like the Northern Neck culture, crab are a favorite to the lives of residents on the Rappahannock.