Chesapeake Bay Crabbers: The Next Generation

Two young crabbers are carving out careers on the Chesapeake Bay in a field dominated by men in late middle-age. One is building a brand through TikTok, while the other practices the old ways.

Meet Jack Torney, a 23-year-old Commercial Crabber

Jack Torney was born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, and he’s a full-time commercial crabber. He’s equipped his boat with a roller that lifts the line from the muddy bottom to the surface, creating a sort of ‘crab conveyor belt.’

As he scoops the crabs into a bin, Torney explains that crabs have excellent vision and are feisty creatures. ‘They will definitely not be happy because they’ll be going to steamer later tonight,’ he says with a smile.

Crabbing can be thrilling, and Torney loves the work. However, becoming a commercial crabber isn’t easy. Maryland has capped licenses for the past decade at around 5,400 annually to protect the fishery. Licenses are often passed down through families, and turnover is extremely low. Torney says he’s part of a dying breed.

‘There is not many, say, 18- to 30-year-olds left crabbing,’ he says. ‘Because most people my age, they don’t see it as a full-time job. They’d rather work in the office building than be out on the water.’

The Challenges Facing Next-Gen Crabbers

Torney is a first-generation crabber, but in his time on the water, he’s seen worrying signs. ‘There’s definitely less crabs from when I first started when I was 14,’ he says.

A recent University of Maryland survey found the crab population fell by half between 2011 and 2023, though a survey this year showed an encouraging rebound. Scientists blamed the drop in the crab population on the loss of marsh habitat to waterfront development and the invasive blue catfish, which eat juvenile crabs.

Torney works alone to keep costs down, but rising prices, including fuel, cut into his profits. ‘It costs around a hundred to $150 to leave dock a day,’ he says. ‘But also, you got to put in licensing fee, marina slip, any wear and tear on motor, oil changes.’

From the Water to Social Media

Torney uses Facebook to sell directly to consumers, but his contemporary, Luke McFadden, is taking a more creative approach. McFadden, 30, has become a social media star by posting videos on how to catch crabs and pick them.

‘You got the claws. Grab them like this. We’re going to break them against the knuckle,’ McFadden explains in one of his videos. ‘And pull. Sometimes you get the whole thing. Like, that’s the entire arm meat right there.’

McFadden’s social media following has grown to over 3 million, and he’s built a brand around his love of crabbing. He sells all kinds of branded merchandise from his boat, including Korean barbecue seasoning and T-shirts.

However, not everyone on the bay is a fan of McFadden’s social media presence. Last year, one of his boats was vandalized, and he’s faced criticism from some old-school crabbers who feel he’s not respecting the traditional ways of the industry.

Despite the challenges, McFadden remains optimistic about the future of crabbing. ‘You’re going to have to get creative in a lot of ways,’ he says. ‘You’re going to have to make the most out of everything that comes over your rail. For me, it’s the crabs, and it’s the story.’

The Story of the Chesapeake Bay

The story of the Chesapeake Bay crabbers is one of tradition and heritage, but also of struggle and adaptation. As the industry faces challenges from declining crab populations and rising costs, the next generation of crabbers is finding new ways to tell their story and sell their catch.

From social media to traditional marketing, these young crabbers are using innovative approaches to promote their products and connect with consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the story of the Chesapeake Bay crabbers is one that will be told for generations to come.