Female crab law question

[Cabral255]

Am I interrupting this sign correctly? I think it's saying female blue crabs can be taken as long as there are no eggs on the outer shell?  I always thought females weren't allowed to be taken.

[Wallco99]

Interrupting??

[Cabral255]

*Interpreting 

[Samaritan]

looks to be Mass. your allowed to take them in VA as well but I don't understand why. Now their allowing for winter dredging in VA again which will further reduce female populations in the Chesapeake.

[Hawkeye]

looks to be Mass. your allowed to take them in VA as well but I don't understand why. Now their allowing for winter dredging in VA again which will further reduce female populations in the Chesapeake.

VA goes a step further and allows females with eggs to be caught as long as they are the right color.

From March 17 through June 15, you can only keep bright orange sponge crabs. All brown to black sponge crabs must be returned to the water.
From June 16 through March 16, you can keep any sponge crabs.

https://mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/VA-recreational-crabbing-rules.shtm

[Hawkeye]

Am I interrupting this sign correctly? I think it's saying female blue crabs can be taken as long as there are no eggs on the outer shell?  I always thought females weren't allowed to be taken.

Each state has it's own rules.  You are allowed to keep female crabs in NJ and NY as well.  

NY says no to egg bearing females.  https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/saltwater-fishing/crabbing