Economic Importance

The blue crab supports a huge commercial and recreational fishery all along the east coast of the U.S - it is often the largest commerical fishery in many port towns.  Blue crabs are very tasty and they are commonly seen on restaurant menus.  The blue is also very fun to go crabbing for - many shore towns around the east coast attract lots of tourists that want to go crabbing for blue crabs.  It is a cultural icon to regions such as the Chesapeake Bay, MD and many others.