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Md Crab Processors Are 'Ecstatic' With News From Feds
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Scott Wykoff


 For over a century, the J. M. Clayton Company in Cambridge has been supplying crabs and seafood to wholesalers, distributors, restaurants, and chain stores all over the country (Photo courtesy J.M. Clayton Company)
 
 This is a move watermen, crab processors, truck drivers, restaurant owners and others whose livelihood is impacted by the crabbing industry have been calling for (Photo by WBAL's Scott Wykoff)
 
 
Congressman Frank Kratovil talks with WBAL's Scott Wykoff about what this decision means for crab processors in Maryland
 

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WBAL's Scott Wykoff talks with an Eastern Shore crab processor who is ecstatic about the decision by DHS to provide immediate relief to his industry in Maryland
 

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Jack Brooks, with the J.M. Clayton Seafood Company on the Eastern Shore, talks with WBAL's Scott Wykoff about the decision that he says will help save Maryland's crab processing industry
 

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Crab processors in Maryland are getting a shot in the arm from the federal government when it comes to efforts to deal with seasonal labor shortages.

WBAL News has learned that the Department of Homeland Security will shortly announce the release of additional FY09 H-2B visas for temporary workers, which will provide immediate relief to numerous Maryland crab processing businesses.

Senator Barbara Mikulski and Congressman Frank Kratovil have been spearheading efforts in recent months to get DHS to release these additional visas.

Congressman Kratovil called Maryland crab processors like Jack Brooks of the J.M. Clayton Company in Cambridge with the good news last night.

"I hope the Congressman's ear is not damaged," said Brooks to WBAL's Scott Wykoff. "It was pure elation (when the Kratovil gave him the news). We are totally ecstatic over the announcement."

Some processors in Maryland have yet to open their doors this year because of the inability to find workers.

CLICK HERE for Scott Wykoff's WBAL Blog in which NBC's Tom Brokaw tells the story of Maryland crab processors, crabbers and fisherman who are struggling to keep their way of life from disappearing because of labor shortages

“Maryland’s crab industries need a government on their side,” Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “When they told me they didn’t have the workforce they needed this season, I was proud to fight for them.  I am pleased the Department of Homeland Security responded to my requests, and released these additional visas. Today’s announcement is good news for Maryland’s watermen, Maryland’s crab industry, and Maryland’s economy.”

Federal immigration laws cap the H-2B program at 66,000 visas per year, and many crab processing facilities on Maryland's Eastern Shore have had their H-2B applications denied as a result of the DHS formula for allocating visas under this cap.

DHS will acknowledge today that visas have been under-allocated under the fiscal year 2009 cap and an additional 25,000 visas will be immediately released.

This is welcome news to the Maryland crab industry, which has been dealing with a severe labor shortage that has prevented a number of processing facilities from opening this season, while those that have been opened have been operating at levels far below capacity. Reopening these facilities will have a major impact on the local economy; a recent study from the University of Maryland found that each H-2B worker in the crab industry supports 2.5 American jobs.

"We wish we didn't have to rely on these workers from away," said Jack Brooks with J.M. Clayton Seafood in Cambridge.  "But because of our seasonality, what we do, we have to rely on them to stay open, literally.  And as demonstrated, we have three companies that haven't even turned the key in their door yet and opened.  So this is just wonderful, wonderful news."

"I am pleased that the Department of Homeland Security listened to our pleas and released these additional visas," said Congressman Kratovil.


"This decision is great news for the Eastern Shore communities that have been hurting because of the closed picking houses. These additional visas will allow Maryland's crab processors to open and remain viable throughout the rest of this season. Today's announcement is good news for the watermen, picking house owners and employees, truck drivers, restaurant owners, community bankers, and everyone else whose livelihood is impacted by the crabbing industry."

"On behalf of all Marylanders, particularly those on our Eastern Shore, I want to thank Congressman Frank Kratovil, who along with Senator Mikulski, Majority Leader Hoyer and others, worked tirelessly towards today's announcement by the Department of Homeland Security," said Governor O'Malley on word of the news.

"Maryland's historic crab industry depends on the H-2B program, and today's announcement is good news for all whose livelihood depends on the crab industry. These additional temporary worker visas will allow the crab picking houses on our Shore to remain strong throughout the season with the workforce they need."

 

 



 
 

 
 
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[Dreampixels]

Interesting however it brings a question to my mind. What is all this help going to pick? As we know it has been reported on here many times how there are no crabs this year and the commercial crabber are piling there pots on the piers and not even fishing them.

It makes for a confusing time - need more help to stay open and pick what?

[Summertop]

Interesting however it brings a question to my mind. What is all this help going to pick? As we know it has been reported on here many times how there are no crabs this year and the commercial crabber are piling there pots on the piers and not even fishing them.

It makes for a confusing time - need more help to stay open and pick what?

The fall sook run, also they don't exclusively pick Maryland crabs.

[jefftoleft]

They will pick all them big fat females that have been building up since last year

[Crabslayer]

Interesting however it brings a question to my mind. What is all this help going to pick? As we know it has been reported on here many times how there are no crabs this year and the commercial crabber are piling there pots on the piers and not even fishing them.

It makes for a confusing time - need more help to stay open and pick what?

I wonder if the comm crabber would get any of that FED money since there wasn't any crab this year? 

[Dreampixels]

The fall sook run, also they don't exclusively pick Maryland crabs.

Are you suggesting Virginia has crabs?   Oh Jack.........Jack where are you.

[mrscharms]

Just two weeks ago, I would be agreeing with all of you about "where are the crabs???"...but just this past week I cannot believe how much the crabbing has gone up for me.  I've had three pots out in various boat slips...just about nothing.  I wasted so much bait, but this is what you have to do for your hobbies.  In the past week, going from NOTHING...I've gotten as many as six keeper crabs (some huge) in my pots!  So there is hope for the season...so far, I agree, it has been very bad..but for some reason, I think it is going to be picking big time!  So hang in there! 

I wasn't able to click on any of your links!

Janice

[Crabslayer]

I've had three pots out in various boat slips...just about nothing. 

Janice, I am assuming that this was at a marina and that these were commercial type pots?  If so, only property owners are allowed to set 2 pots.

[flounderpounder]

Janice, I am assuming that this was at a marina and that these were commercial type pots?  If so, only property owners are allowed to set 2 pots.

If you own 3 slips.....is that not legal???