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Virginia shellfish & crabs size limits and seasons

4 species, 2026 rules for state waters. Tap a species for every zone, the exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording and a keeper check. Updated 2026-09-21. All 75 Virginia species A–Z →

Species	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
American Lobster	April 1 – January 31	3.53–5.25 inch slot	No recreational possession limit printed in 4VAC20-110
Blue Crab	Open year-round	5 inch minimum	1 bushel of hard crabs + 2 dozen peelers per person per day
Hard Clam	Open year-round	None stated for personal use	250 clams per person per day
Oyster	Open year-round	3 inch minimum	1 bushel per person per day