Record-high diesel prices are severely squeezing watermen across the Maryland Eastern Shore, eroding profit margins and forcing sharp increases in local seafood prices.  To survive the season, watermen and seafood markets are forcing consumers to absorb a portion of the overhead.  A bushel of large blue crabs that sold for $300 last year is now fetching roughly $450 at retail stands.  While political relief has been proposed—such as Representative Andy Harris’s push to temporarily suspend the federal diesel tax—the bill remains stalled in the House, leaving watermen to navigate these record-breaking expenses on their own. 

Residents of Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot Counties are encouraged to mark their calendars for the Fall 2026 Midshore Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Day Saturday October 3rd from 8 to 2 at 7341 Barkers Landing Road in Easton.  Drop- Off Day will be held rain or shine and is free to Midshore County residents.  For questions about the program, contact the Maryland Environmental Service at (443) 685-4073.