{
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  "path": "/2026/05/15/chesapeake-blue-crab-population-drops-50-the-question-is-why/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-15T07:47:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://marylandmatters.org",
  "tags": [
    "Environment",
    "Allison Colden",
    "blue catfish",
    "blue crabs",
    "Center for Environmental Science",
    "Chesapeake Bay Commission",
    "Chesapeake Bay Foundation",
    "Chesapeake Biological Laboratory",
    "crab fishery",
    "Department of Natural Resources",
    "DNR",
    "invasive species",
    "Smithsonian Environmental Research Center",
    "Virginia Institute of Marine Science",
    "watermen"
  ],
  "textContent": "The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population has declined by about 50% since 2010, a new study estimates, and while invasive blue catfish are responsible for some of that worrisome decline, the main cause or causes remain a mystery.",
  "title": "Chesapeake blue crab population drops 50%. The question is: Why?"
}