Crabbers clamor at bake sdt
Wearing bright shirts, watermen object to new regs at political event
http://www.delmarvaheadlines.com/thedailytimesonline/pages/topnews.html#top%20story%202
The Daily Times,
By Tess Hughes, Special To The Times
CRISFIELD — Watermen used one of the
‘‘We’re having the best season we’ve had in 15 or 20 years,’’ said Jay Carman of the
About 30 coalition watermen wore bright orange shirts at Wednesday’s 25th annual J. Millard Tawes Crab & Clam Bake to protest the state regulations that limit crabbers to working 8-hour days, six days a week.
‘‘I encourage all the watermen to join the coalition,’’ Carman also said. ‘‘We’re going to stand up and fight against these regulations.’’
State officials say the crab population must be protected for future generations.
Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend acknowledged the industry faces some serious challenges.
‘‘I think its a tough situation,’’ she said. ‘‘I feel for those who make their living on the water. We’re doing our best to balance the needs of today with the needs of the future.’’
Organizers said more than 5,100 visitors braved the rain and humidity to attend the event.
‘‘We usually average 4,700 to 4,800 visitors,’’ said Valerie Mason, the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. She also said visitors were still arriving an hour and 20 minutes before closing.
‘‘It is always exciting for me,’’ he said. ‘‘I get to meet people from all over the state,’’
Maurice Yates, 8, who came from Baton Rouge, La., to visit his father, said he wanted to attend next year, too.
‘‘The crabs are good,’’ he said.
Audrey E. Scott, a candidate for governor in 2002, said the atmosphere at the bake was ‘‘politically charged.’’
‘‘And I am part of the electricity,’’ she said. ‘‘I give (coalition members) a lot of credit. They’ve joined forces to get what they want.’’
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