The blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) population in the Delaware Inland Bays (DIB) holds significant economic and ecological importance. C. sapidus is a keystone species and contributes to the top-consumed seafood in Maryland and Delaware. Within the state of Delaware, particularly in the Delaware Inland Bays (DIB), there is limited research on the abundance of C. sapidus and a notable knowledge gap regarding the presence and screening of Callinectes sapidus reovirus 1 (CsRV1). The primary objective of this study was to evaluate C. sapidus population characteristics and identify the prevalence of a pathogenic virus affecting C. sapidus. The study explicitly targets CsRV1, utilizing rt-qPCR (Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction) methods. Overall, there were six study sites distributed between the west and east sides of Rehoboth Bay. Based on distinct site characteristics, each side includes areas with oyster aquaculture, artificial reefs, and control sites (little to no structure). Crab abundance was estimated by deploying a variety of traps at each site in the Summer and Fall of 2022 and 2023. Data were collected on carapace length and width, sex, and maturity from 1,270 blue crabs in 2022 and 1,120 blue crabs for the 2023 field season. Artificial reefs continuously displayed the highest female and juvenile C. sapidus retention throughout all study sites. Additionally, CsRV1 was detected within crab samples from the DIB at a low prevalence out of how many samples you tested. Overall, this study aims to provide information on the knowledge gaps about C. sapidus population characteristics and CsRV1 presence/absence within the DIB. This study should continue as it will ultimately help the management of this important commercial species and this study serves a starting point for monitoring C. sapidus within the DIB.