The Maryland spring crab survey that Gov. Martin O'Malley was so thrilled about at his recent press briefing actually showed the number of crabs in the bay dropped by more than 30 percent from last year ("Crab levels second-highest since 1997, survey shows," April 19). The cost of bait, upkeep and especially fuel for the crab boats has skyrocketed in the past year. It is laughable when anyone says last year's high crab prices may go down this season. The Baltimore news industry should stop regurgitating the state spin machine drivel and report the facts. And the facts do not warrant loosening the conservation restrictions.

Dan Griffin, Perry Hall