The 2004 Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Advisory Report, prepared by the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee, indicates that blue crab abundance improved in 2003, compared to near historical low levels the previous four years. Unfortunately, the results of all of the scientific surveys are not uniform, but stock abundance and spawning biomass remain at relatively low levels. Stock abundance in 2003 was higher than the over fished threshold that indicates a danger to the biological stability of the blue crab stock. However, stock abundance was lower than the action threshold that calls for management action to promote increases in stock abundance. Fishing mortality fell below the action threshold for the first time since 1997. Based on these facts, the Stock Assessment Committee recommended that the Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions keep all current management measures in place, especially given the persistent condition of low stock abundance. Accordingly, the Marine Resources Commission maintained all of its blue crab management measures in place in 2004.