Sponge crabs are females with an external protusion of many thousands of eggs. In Maryland possession of them is illegal, unless you have a bill of sale proving they were imported from outside the state. In Virginia possession of mature sponge crabs is illegal, mature meaning the eggs are well developed and soon to hatch. Possession of immature sponge crabs is legal, however, immature meaning the eggs are new and not soon to hatch.
The maturity of the eggs is measured by their color. The eggs gradually turn from bright orange to dark brown. Virginia uses a color scale, numbered 1 to 15, with 1 being bright orange and immature and 15 being dark brown and very mature, to differentiate what is legal and illegal. Crabs that fall from 1-6 are legal to possess.
Thank you very much. You explanation is exremely clear and understandable.
My relationship with shell and fin fish laws and regs are far more political than biological. but the only way to understand and learn is to ask questions.
Again, my thanks for your explanation.