Tell 'em we're killing this precious natural resource. Tell 'em to stop crabbing, eating crabs, buying crabs until the population rises -- or else their children and grandchildren may never enjoy crabs from the bay again.
But I'm not that naive anymore.
Guilt doesn't work with Maryland crab-lovers.
Eating a dozen steamed crabs on a hot summer night -- that's practically a birthright around here.
But that doesn't mean Marylanders don't have a sense of decency or a personal interest in stopping the blue crab's death spiral.
So, put a "Save the Blue Crab" collection bucket in every seafood market, crab house and seafood restaurant in the state and watch them fill up.
People are more apt to throw in a few bucks when they're walking around with a gut full of crabs and beer. Plus, you'd be surprised how generous crab lovers can be when they're half-looped.
Put a "Save the Blue Crab" bucket in convenience stores, coffee shops, pizza joints and diners. Have cute school kids go door to door on weekend beg-a-thons for the cause.
Get businesses to make pledges the way they do to the United Way campaign -- only have them be a little less annoying about pressuring their workers to contribute.
We need to raise some cash in a hurry, people.
The blue crab is running out of time.
And the hunting season is almost here.
kevin.cowherd@baltsun.com
