[rj]

here is the latest update to the proposed regulations, there have been some changes to the earlier proposals. if you have an interest ,please respond to the requests for input by the DNR, please dont just complain here, let the regulators know if you have a concern. these regulations can styill be subject to change based on your input through the comment process ,or at the public hearings

FISHERIES SERVICE REGULATORY PROPOSALS

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/crab/proposedtextCommCrabs12-12-08final.pdf

08.02.03.01 (11/19/08)
.01 Crabbing Gear.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Recreational Gear-Definitions.
(1) The gear defined in this section may be used to catch crabs for recreational purposes.
(2) "Collapsible crab trap" means a manually operated, portable device:
(a) Having a flat bottom not more than [1 square foot] 20 inches by 15 inches, and [not more than] with four articulated sides[, each with an area not more than 1 square foot]; and
(b) (text unchanged)
(3) "Crab net ring" means netting supported by a ring-shaped rim less than 24 inches in diameter.
(4) - (8) (text unchanged)
C. Commercial Gear.
(1) - (2) (text unchanged)
(3) "Barrel" means a container with a minimum capacity of 32 gallons and which holds not more than 2-1/2 U.S. standard bushels of crabs.
[(3)] (4) - [(5)] (6) (text unchanged)
08.02.03.03 (11/19/08)
.03 Trotlines.
A. An individual may not set or fish a trotline, crab net ring, or collapsible crab trap within 100 feet of another individual's [a] trotline.
B. (text unchanged)​

C. In the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries:
(1) An individual may not use or possess on board a vessel a trotline or trotlines with a baited portion more than 600 feet in length [for the baited portion of a trotline] to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes; or
(2) If two or more individuals are on a boat, not more than two trotlines with a baited portion more [not longer] than 600 feet each [for the baited portion of trotline] may be used or possessed on board a vessel to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes [per boat].
D. In the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries:
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) An individual licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes may not use or possess on board a vessel a trotline or trotlines with a baited portion more than 1,200 feet in length [for the baited portion of a trotline] to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes; and
(3) (text unchanged)
E. - F. (text unchanged)
08.02.03.07 (11/19/08)
.07 Crab Pots.
A. - F. (text unchanged)
G. Crab pots may not be set in the following areas:
(1) - (12) (text unchanged)​

(13) In the waters of the Wicomico River that are east of a line beginning at the southernmost point of St. Margaret Island and ending at the northeasterly most point of land on St. Catherine Island; [and]
(14) In the following areas of Pocomoke Sound: Ape Hole Creek, upstream of a line running from Long Point to Gap Point; Gunby Creek, upstream of a line running between the two State-maintained markers marking the mouth of Gunby Creek; East Creek, upstream of a line running from East Creek Point southeasterly to the westernmost point of land on Richardson Marsh; Marumsco Creek, upstream of a line running from a point on the western shore of Marumsco Creek at Lat. 37°58'38"N. and Long. 75°43'22"W. due east to the opposite shore at a point Lat. 37°58'38"N and Long. 75°42'55"W[.]; and
(15) Within 100 yards of the Flag Ponds Nature Park fishing pier in Calvert County.
H. (text unchanged)​

JOHN R. GRIFFIN
Secretary of Natural Resources​

------------------------------------------------------------

08.02.01 General
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland
08.02.01.05 (December 11, 2008)
.05 Targets for the Number of Tidal Fish License Authorizations and Apprenticeship Permits.
A. - H. (text unchanged)
I. Limited Crab Harvester.
(1) The target for tidal fish authorizations for the limited crab harvester (LCC) may be reduced by the number of LCC authorizations of the licensees who have not reported harvest between January 1, 2004 and December 15, 2008 as described in COMAR 08.02.03.14F.
08.02.03 Crabs
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §4-215, 4-803, and 4-810, Annotated Code of Maryland
08.02.03.10 (received from DSD on 12/5/08 - pre-emergency text)
.10 Recreational Crabbing Catch and Possession Limits Chesapeake Bay and its Tidal Tributaries.
A. A daily catch limit of a maximum of 2 bushels of male hard crabs, and 2 dozen [peelers or] soft crabs or male peeler crabs or a combination of 2 dozen [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs, may be caught and possessed if:
(1) Two or more individuals licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes are on a boat, regardless of whether the boat is licensed by the Department as a recreational​

crabbing boat [or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland]; or
(2) Two or more individuals are on a boat and one individual is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes and in addition the boat is licensed by the Department as a recreational crabbing boat[ or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland].
B. A daily catch limit of a maximum of 1 bushel of male hard crabs, and 2 dozen [peelers or] soft crabs or male peeler crabs or a combination of 2 dozen [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs, may be caught and possessed if:
(1) An individual on shore is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes;
(2) An individual is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes with either an individual crab license or a recreational crabbing boat decal which authorizes one individual to crab from the boat to which the decal is affixed [is on board a boat licensed by the Department as a recreational crabbing boat or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland; or];
(3) There is no individual licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes aboard a boat licensed by the Department as a recreational crabbing boat [or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.]; or
(4) A commercially licensed individual is recreationally crabbing as described in regulation .03E of this chapter.
C. A daily catch limit of a maximum of 2 dozen male hard crabs, and 1 dozen [peelers or] soft crabs or male peeler crabs or a combination of 1 dozen [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs, may be caught and possessed if:​

(1) An individual is not licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes;[ or]
(2) An individual is exempted or registered with the Department to crab recreationally as described in Regulation .09 of this chapter; or
(3) A seine is used, regardless of the number of licensed or unlicensed individuals.
D. If there is no individual licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes aboard a boat not licensed by the Department as a recreational crabbing boat or one or more individuals exempted or registered with the Department to crab recreationally as described in Regulation .09 of this chapter aboard a boat [or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland]:
(1) The daily catch limit is 4 dozen male hard crabs per boat; and
(2) The maximum number of [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs per boat is 1 dozen [peelers or] soft crabs or male peeler crabs or a combination of 1 dozen [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs per day.
E. Unless licensed to harvest crabs for commercial purposes, an individual may not catch or possess female hard crabs or female peelers.
F. An individual commercially harvesting crabs aboard a vessel may only have crabs that are commercially harvested on board.
08.02.03.11 (received from DSD on 12/5/08 - pre-emergency text)
.11 Season and Time for Catching Crabs.
A. Commercial.
(1) - (4) (text unchanged)​

(5) An individual licensed to catch crabs for commercial purposes may not harvest mature female hard crabs from the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries during the periods:
(i) June 1 through June 15, inclusive;
(ii) September 26 through October 4, inclusive; and
(iii) November 11 through December 15 inclusive.
B (text unchanged)
C. Notwithstanding Natural Resources Article, §4-808, Annotated Code of Maryland, a person may not catch blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries between [December 15 and April 1] December 16 and March 31, inclusive.
08.02.03.13 (received from DSD on 12/5/08 - pre-emergency text)
.13 Commercial Harvest of Crabs from Finfish Gear.
A. (text unchanged)
B. The harvest and possession of crabs from a pound net is:
(1) - (3) (text unchanged)
(4) Restricted to a maximum of 2 bushels per licensee per day, except as described in Regulation .14 of this chapter, harvested from a single pound net or a combination of pound nets registered to the individual.
08.02.03.14 (received from DSD on 12/5/08 - pre-emergency text)
.14 General Prohibitions.
A. Recreational.​

(1) (text unchanged)
(2) [Recreational crabbing is permitted on the Wednesday immediately preceding or falling on a State or federal holiday.] When a State or federal holiday falls on a Wednesday or Thursday, recreational crabbing is permitted on the Wednesday of that week.
(3) - (4) (text unchanged)
(5) An individual licensed to provide services as a fishing guide or to fish recreationally in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries may possess any number of [peelers or ] soft crabs or male peeler crabs for the purposes of fishing.
B. Commercial - General.
(1) - (3) (text unchanged)
(4) A person licensed to catch crabs for commercial purposes, who declares under §C(1) of this regulation, may set or retrieve gear or catch crabs for commercial purposes on a Sunday or Monday of a particular week if:
(a) - (b) (text unchanged)
(5) (text unchanged)
(6) Mature female hard crabs shall be kept in separate bushels or barrels from male hard crabs or peeler crabs.
(7) An individual licensed to catch crabs for commercial purposes may not catch or possess in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries more than:
(a) Five mature female hard crabs per bushel of male crabs; or
(b) Thirteen mature female hard crabs per barrel of male crabs. ​

(8) The commercial female crab daily catch limit shall be determined by the license type based on the abundance target for spawning age crabs recommended by the Chesapeake Bay Stock Assessment Committee.
(9) Except as provided in §B(11), an individual licensed to catch crabs for commercial purposes may not harvest or possess more mature female hard crabs daily than the catch limit specified by the individual's license type.
(10) Except as provided in §B(11), not more than 2 licensees' daily catch limits from one day may be harvested from, carried, or possessed on a vessel while the licensees are on board.
(11) An individual may possess and transport crabs harvested from Virginia waters if:
(a) The individual is not engaged in harvesting crabs in Maryland waters while the crabs harvested in Virginia waters are on board the vessel; and
(b) The individual is in possession of a Virginia commercial crab harvester license.
C. Declaration of Intent.
(1) - (2) (text unchanged)
(3) A person licensed to catch crabs for sale who declares a day off under §C(1) of this regulation shall declare the licensee's vessel identification number and a Sunday or Monday day off at the time of license renewal on forms provided by the Department.[, for the license year beginning September 1, 2001]
(4) (text unchanged)
D. (text unchanged)
E. Notwithstanding Natural Resources Article, §4-809, Annotated Code of Maryland, a person may not:​

(1) (text unchanged)
(2) Possess hard crabs imported from another State which:
(a) - (b) (text unchanged)
(c) Are not accompanied by a bill of sale or bill of lading from the jurisdiction of origin; [or] and
(d) (text unchanged)
(3) - (6) (text unchanged)
(7) Catch or possess more than one soft crab per 2 dozen soft crabs which [are] is less than 3-1/2 inches across the shell from tip to tip of the spike.
F. Modified Target and Inactive Status.
(1) Except as provided in §F(2) of this regulation, the limited crab harvester (LCC) authorization of a tidal fish licensee who has not reported crab harvest between January 1, 2004 and December 15, 2008 is placed on inactive status and the licensee may not commercially harvest crabs beginning on September 1, 2009.
(2) The LCC authorization of a tidal fish licensee may not be placed on inactive status if the licensee:
a) Received the LCC authorization through the apprenticeship program;
b) Received the LCC authorization through a permanent license transfer between August 1, 2006 and December 12, 2008;
c) Provides appropriate documentation of active military service during the period January 1, 2004 and December 15, 2008;
d) Completed a successful female bushel limit hardship appeal in 2008; or ​

e) Currently resides and has resided for at least 5 years on an island in the State that is at least 3 miles from the mainland.
(3) A licensee whose LCC authorization is in an inactive status may not be required to renew or report on that license.
(4) The target for a LCC authorization established in COMAR 08.02.01.05A is reduced by the number of LCC authorizations determined in §F(1) and (2) of this regulation.
(5) Upon a determination that the blue crab population meets or exceeds the abundance target for three consecutive years, the Department shall assess the number of LCC authorizations that may be restored to active status for commercial harvest.
G. Public Notice.
(1) The Department may open, close or modify a season or catch limits to manage the harvest to remove no more than 46% of the crab population as estimated by the results of the winter dredge survey by:
(a) Publishing notice in a daily newspaper of general circulation at least 48 hours in advance of the time of modification, stating the effective hour and date; and
(b) Disseminating notice of modification through various other media so that an affected person has reasonable opportunity to be informed. ​

JOHN R. GRIFFIN
Secretary of Natural Resources
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------​

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/crab/08_02_03_09proposedtextfinal12-12-08.pdf​

08.02.03.09 ( November 14, 2008) ​

.09 Recreational Crabbing Licenses-Chesapeake Bay and Its Tidal Tributaries.
A. Recreational Crabbing License.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) The annual fee for a recreational crabbing license to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries with the gear specified in §A(1) of this regulation is:
(a) (text unchanged)
[(b) For a Maryland resident, in possession of a Maryland Chesapeake Bay sport fishing license or a resident consolidated senior sport fishing license ... $2;
(c)] (b) For a nonresident ... $10.
[(3) An individual who has purchased a recreational crabbing license shall have the license in possession when:
(a) Engaged in crabbing for recreational purposes with the gear listed under §A(1) of this regulation; or
(b) In possession of more crabs than provided for in the daily catch limits set forth in Regulation .10C(1) and D of this chapter and not on a boat that has been licensed as a recreational crab boat.]
B. Recreational Crabbing Boat License.
(1) (text unchanged)
(2) The annual fee for a recreational crabbing boat license to catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries with the gear specified in §B(1) of this regulation is: ​

(a) For a Maryland resident…

$15; and

(b) For a nonresident …$30.
(3) - (4) (text unchanged)
(5) The recreational crabbing boat decal authorizes one individual to crab from the boat to which the decal is affixed.
C. [Complimentary Recreational Crabbing License.
(1) An individual who has received a complimentary recreational crabbing license shall have the complimentary license in possession when:
(a) Engaged in crabbing for recreational purposes with the gear listed under §A(1) of this regulation from a location other than the boat of the licensee; or
(b) In possession of more crabs than provided for in the daily catch limits set forth in Regulation .10C(1) and D of this chapter and not on a boat that has been licensed as a recreational crab boat.
(2) If a recreational crabbing boat licensee or a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing boat licensee is in possession of the complimentary recreational crabbing license, the licensee may:
(a) Catch crabs for recreational purposes in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries; and
(b) Use up to ten eel pots for catching bait for use by the licensee.] Recreational Crabbing Registration.
(1) Unless licensed under §§A or B of this regulation, an individual who catches or attempts to catch crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and ​

its tidal tributaries shall register with the Department in order to use the following gear to catch crabs:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings;
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length; or
(e) Not more than two crab pots as set forth in Regulation .07D of this chapter.
(2) The daily limit for an individual registered to catch crabs is set forth in Regulation .10C and D of this regulation.
D. Exceptions. An individual who catches or attempts to catch crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries shall:
(1)[ is not] Not be required to have a recreational crabbing license or register with the Department if the individual:
[(1) Uses any of the following gear:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings; or
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length;
(2) Is younger than 16 years old;
(3) Is crabbing for recreational purposes in an area which has been designated by the Department in COMAR 08.02.05.09G as a free fishing area;​

(4) Is qualified to use not more than two crab pots as set forth in Regulation .07D of this chapter;
(5) Is aboard a boat with an individual who has a recreational crabbing license; or
(6) Is crabbing for recreational purposes from a boat that has been licensed:
(a) By the Department as a recreational crabbing boat; or
(b) Under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.]
(a) Is younger than 16 years old;
(b) Is crabbing for recreational purposes in an area which has been designated by the Department in COMAR 08.02.05.09G as a free fishing area; or
(c) Is assisting an individual on board a vessel who has a recreational crabbing license or recreational crabbing boat decal;
(2) Use only the following gear:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings; or
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length; and
(3) Not exceed the catch limits set forth in Regulation .10C and D of this chapter.
E. General.
(1) - (4) (text unchanged)
(5) An individual catching crabs for recreational purposes shall cooperate with Department-approved surveys and catch inspections necessary for harvest and by-catch determination, and biological characterization. ​

(6) An individual who has registered to catch crabs or purchased a recreational crabbing license shall have the license or registration in possession when harvesting or possessing crabs for recreational purposes. ​

JOHN R. GRIFFIN
Secretary of Natural Resources​

​

 

[fishinblues]

$50 bay sport decal for the boat used to include a boat crab license. Now it will not???
They now want a extra $15.

The old recreational boat crabbing regulation:
Recreational Crabbing Boat License allows everyone on board a vessel to catch crabs for recreational purposes anywhere in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, and is in lieu of individual licenses. The following limits on gear apply to the vessel: (a) trotline not to exceed 1,200 feet in length (baited portion), (b) maximum 30 collapsible traps or rings, or (c) any number of handlines and dip nets.

New reg.
B. A daily catch limit of a maximum of 1 bushel of male hard crabs, and 2 dozen [peelers or] soft crabs or male peeler crabs or a combination of 2 dozen [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs, may be caught and possessed if:
(1) An individual on shore is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes;
(2) An individual is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes with either an individual crab license or a recreational crabbing boat decal which authorizes one individual to crab from the boat to which the decal is affixed

With the new proposed crabbing regulation, everyone on the boat must have a licence.
You got to be kidding me that if I want to take my wife or friend out on the boat they have to get a separate license, and that the boat crabbing license wont cover them. The decal will only let 1 person crab from the boat. I should be able to take as many unlicensed people as I want out on the boat to crab as long as I don't exceed the 1 bushel limit.

I would like to know who had that bright idea to include that proposal in the regulations, and get them removed from their job.

 

[HCountyBasser]

I would like to know who had that bright idea to include that proposal in the regulations, and get them removed from their job.

Maybe either my English teacher, or your English teacher should be removed from thier job as that not how I read it.

Sounds to me like you want to do what it says in Number (3) below, is that correct?
No individuals with licenses aboard a boat that is licensed? Looks (to me at least) like you could keep.....1 Bushel?

B. A daily catch limit of a maximum of 1 bushel of male hard crabs, and 2 dozen [peelers or] soft crabs or male peeler crabs or a combination of 2 dozen [peelers and] soft crabs and male peeler crabs, may be caught and possessed if:
(1) An individual on shore is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes;
(2) An individual is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes with either an individual crab license or a recreational crabbing boat decal which authorizes one individual to crab from the boat to which the decal is affixed [is on board a boat licensed by the Department as a recreational crabbing boat or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland; or];
(3) There is no individual licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes aboard a boat licensed by the Department as a recreational crabbing boat [or under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.]; or
(4) A commercially licensed individual is recreationally crabbing as described in regulation .03E of this chapter.

 

[flattyfrank]

HCB. That's how I read it too. If the boat is licensed, and you are not, you get one bushel. If the boat is licensed, and so are you.....1 bushel. if the boat is licensed, you are licensed, and someone not licensed goes with you, 2 bu. The only advantage I see to licensing the boat, is that 1 person does not need to be licensed to crab from the boat. They've really made it complicated, and difficult to understand. All most to the point where you need a law degree to understand it.

 

[flattyfrank]

Here's another link. This one is to the public meetings upcoming.

MARYLAND 2009 PROPOSED CRAB REGULATIONS PUBLIC HEARING

 

[SteveL]

Flatty Frank wrote:
"All most to the point where you need a law degree to understand it."

I agree with you Frank, it would be helpful if the DNR distilled the reg text into plain english and produced a fact sheet summary of proposed changes.

But as a rec crabber I strongly support the efforts by MD DNR to develop a mechanism to survey rec crabbers and get a handle on rec effort and harvest.

Personally, my crabbing effort and my catch per unit effort declined substantially in recent years, but I have always been crabbing challenged!

 

[rj]

I must agree with many that noted the complexity of the regulations as written into law-too complicated- law should be written in an easy to understand format
also I missed coppying one of the regs, check out the edited original post

dont forget to send in your comments or attend the public meeting
here is the info

Opportunity for Public Comment

Comments may be sent to Sarah Widman, Regulatory Administrator, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401, or email to [email protected] , or fax to 410-260-8310. Comments will be accepted through February 17, 2009. A public hearing will be held, to discuss the adoption of these regulations at 6:00pm on January 27, 2008 in the meeting room of the Queen Anne's County Library Kent Island Branch, 200 Library Circle, Stevensville, Maryland 21666. and February 4, 2009 at 6:00 P.M. in Fellowship Hall at Calvary United Methodist Church, 301 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, MD​

 

[SteveL]

RJ,

Thanks for starting the thread and posting the regs!

 

[HCountyBasser]

it would be helpful if the DNR distilled the reg text into plain english and produced a fact sheet summary of proposed changes.

I think many times this "Causes" confusion. If you look at past "Summary of Regulation" as "written" by the DNR for distribution on their website you will see plenty of "differences" between that and Comar.

Case in point the recent "3 Ton" rockfish case. If you read in Comar it is against the Law to Commercially fish for rockfish in both the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Friday 6pm till Monday 5am.

If you read the "DNR Summary" the "time restrictions are only mentioned in the Chesapeake Bay regs and not in the Atlantic regs.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/commregs.html

Bass, Striped - Bay - Drift Gill Net 18" - 36"
Jan 1-Feb 29 and Dec 1 - Dec 31
3:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mon thru Fri.

Bass, Striped Ocean Trawl Drift Gill Net 24"
Jan 1 - Apr 30 and Nov 2 - Dec 31
Permit Required-1,950 lbs/licensee/season

 

[crabfish]

.01 Crabbing Gear.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Recreational Gear-Definitions.
(1) The gear defined in this section may be used to catch crabs for recreational purposes.
(2) "Collapsible crab trap" means a manually operated, portable device:
(a) Having a flat bottom not more than [1 square foot] 20 inches by 15 inches, and [not more than] with four articulated sides[, each with an area not more than 1 square foot]; and
(b) (text unchanged)
(3) "Crab net ring" means netting supported by a ring-shaped rim less than 24 inches in diameter.
(4) - (8) (text unchanged)
C. Commercial Gear.
(1) - (2) (text unchanged)
(3) "Barrel" means a container with a minimum capacity of 32 gallons and which holds not more than 2-1/2 U.S. standard bushels of crabs.
[(3)] (4) - [(5)] (6) (text unchanged)

Assuming that the text in brackets [...] is to be deleted, are they proposing more than doubling the size limit on collapsible traps? ie from 12x12 (144 sq in) to 20 by 15 (300 sq in)

 

[rj]

.01 Crabbing Gear.
A. (text unchanged)
B. Recreational Gear-Definitions.
(1) The gear defined in this section may be used to catch crabs for recreational purposes.
(2) "Collapsible crab trap" means a manually operated, portable device:
(a) Having a flat bottom not more than [1 square foot] 20 inches by 15 inches, and [not more than] with four articulated sides[, each with an area not more than 1 square foot]; and
(b) (text unchanged)
(3) "Crab net ring" means netting supported by a ring-shaped rim less than 24 inches in diameter.
(4) - (8) (text unchanged)
C. Commercial Gear.
(1) - (2) (text unchanged)
(3) "Barrel" means a container with a minimum capacity of 32 gallons and which holds not more than 2-1/2 U.S. standard bushels of crabs.
[(3)] (4) - [(5)] (6) (text unchanged)

Assuming that the text in brackets [...] is to be deleted, are they proposing more than doubling the size limit on collapsible traps? ie from 12x12 (144 sq in) to 20 by 15 (300 sq in)

Yes.. the text in brackets is to be [deleted] underlinded text is to be added

 

[crabfish]

Seems like an odd thing to change, and by eliminating the "not more than" and replacing with "with", doesn't that render 2 door traps illegal?

 

[flattyfrank]

something else that concerns me is that last year when they instituted the emergency regs, they established a control date of Dec 12, 2007 to be used for any future management efforts.

This year with respect to the lcc's, they throw that control date out the window.

(1) Except as provided in §F(2) of this regulation, the limited crab harvester (LCC) authorization of a tidal fish licensee who has not reported crab harvest between January 1, 2004 and December 15, 2008 is placed on inactive status and the licensee may not commercially harvest crabs beginning on September 1, 2009.

So, basicly, when they tell us something, it doesn't mean squat.

 

[POLECAT]

Seems like an odd thing to change, and by eliminating the "not more than" and replacing with "with", doesn't that render 2 door traps illegal?

My interpretation is that a trap with up to a 300 square inch BOTTOM is legal. The doors, whether 1, 2, 3, or 4 of them are not construed as parts of the BOTTOM, thereby eliminating them from the 300 sq. inch BOTTOM measurement.

Actually the wording of the change is most likely incorrect as written. The way it is worded requires the trap to have 4 articulated sides. I am sure they meant "UP TO 4 articulated SIDES".

Not all traps operate with 4 articulating doors. I have traps that have up to 3 of the 4 doors permanently closed making them non-articulated sides.

With my interpretation and 52 cents, I can get me a cup of coffee at Micky D's. So, that's about what it's worth.

 

[crabfish]

Actually the wording of the change is most likely incorrect as written. The way it is worded requires the trap to have 4 articulated sides. I am sure they meant "UP TO 4 articulated SIDES".

Not all traps operate with 4 articulating doors. I have traps that have up to 3 of the 4 doors permanently closed making them non-articulated sides.

.

THat's what I was saying, the old wording "not more than four articulating sides" allowed any number (1,2,3 or 4) of doors. With the current proposed rewording of "with four articulating sides", it does not.

Also, by eliminating the maximum area of each door [each with an area of not more than 1 sq foot], could you not make your trap 3 feet tall and attach all sorts of necks to the doors and cover a much larger area of the bottom? Granted they would be hard to pull and would definetely miss a few

I guess what it comes down to for me is WHY on earth did someone feel they needed to change this? I can't say if this change will hurt the crab population since catch limits have not changed, but I also cannot see how it helps either.

 

[POLECAT]

I guess what it comes down to for me is WHY on earth did someone feel they needed to change this? I can't say if this change will hurt the crab population since catch limits have not changed, but I also cannot see how it helps either.

I don't have the answer to that, but either there was a lobbying effort by some trap manufacturer(s) that make traps with 16" X 16" bottoms (or larger) OR the DNR decided on its own that change would be in the best interest of the public since many stores sell traps that do not meet the present regs. We all know that many people that enjoy crabbing have absolutely no clue as to what most of the requirements are.

Your guess is as good as or better than mine.... and we already know what mine is worth.

 

[bigmouth]

so there is not much different than last year basicly?

 

[crabfish]

One last question, unless I am reading this wrong....Bold text to be deleted, don't these new proposed regs say exactly the opposite of each other?
Under the new section (added after the first bold to be deleted section) "rec crabbing registration", (1) unless licensed under para a or b, shall register with DNR in order to use the following gear...

Then, in exceptions, para D (1) shall not be required to have a license or register... then , after the next bold to be deleted section, (2) use only the following gear: and it lists the exact same gear

C. [Complimentary Recreational Crabbing License.
(1) An individual who has received a complimentary recreational crabbing license shall have the complimentary license in possession when:
(a) Engaged in crabbing for recreational purposes with the gear listed under §A(1) of this regulation from a location other than the boat of the licensee; or
(b) In possession of more crabs than provided for in the daily catch limits set forth in Regulation .10C(1) and D of this chapter and not on a boat that has been licensed as a recreational crab boat.
(2) If a recreational crabbing boat licensee or a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing boat licensee is in possession of the complimentary recreational crabbing license, the licensee may:
(a) Catch crabs for recreational purposes in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries; and
(b) Use up to ten eel pots for catching bait for use by the licensee.] Recreational Crabbing Registration.
(1) Unless licensed under §§A or B of this regulation, an individual who catches or attempts to catch crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and

its tidal tributaries shall register with the Department in order to use the following gear to catch crabs:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings;
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length; or
(e) Not more than two crab pots as set forth in Regulation .07D of this chapter.
(2) The daily limit for an individual registered to catch crabs is set forth in Regulation .10C and D of this regulation.
D. Exceptions. An individual who catches or attempts to catch crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries shall:
(1)[ is not] Not be required to have a recreational crabbing license or register with the Department if the individual:
[(1) Uses any of the following gear:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings; or
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length;
(2) Is younger than 16 years old;
(3) Is crabbing for recreational purposes in an area which has been designated by the Department in COMAR 08.02.05.09G as a free fishing area;

(4) Is qualified to use not more than two crab pots as set forth in Regulation .07D of this chapter;
(5) Is aboard a boat with an individual who has a recreational crabbing license; or
(6) Is crabbing for recreational purposes from a boat that has been licensed:
(a) By the Department as a recreational crabbing boat; or
(b) Under Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.]
(a) Is younger than 16 years old;
(b) Is crabbing for recreational purposes in an area which has been designated by the Department in COMAR 08.02.05.09G as a free fishing area; or
(c) Is assisting an individual on board a vessel who has a recreational crabbing license or recreational crabbing boat decal;
(2) Use only the following gear:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings; or
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length; and
(3) Not exceed the catch limits set forth in Regulation .10C and D of this chapter.

 

[bigmouth]

how do u register?

 

[HCountyBasser]

C. Recreational Crabbing Registration.
(1) Unless licensed under §§A or B of this regulation, an individual who catches or attempts to catch crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries shall register with the Department in order to use the following gear to catch crabs:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings;
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length; or
(e) Not more than two crab pots as set forth in Regulation .07D of this chapter.
(2) The daily limit for an individual registered to catch crabs is set forth in Regulation .10C and D of this regulation.

D. Exceptions. An individual who catches or attempts to catch crabs for recreational purposes in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries shall:
(1)Not be required to have a recreational crabbing license or register with the Department if the individual:
(a) Is younger than 16 years old;
(b) Is crabbing for recreational purposes in an area which has been designated by the Department in COMAR 08.02.05.09G as a free fishing area; or
(c) Is assisting an individual on board a vessel who has a recreational crabbing license or recreational crabbing boat decal;
(2) Use only the following gear:
(a) A dipnet;
(b) A handline;
(c) Up to ten collapsible traps or net rings, or combination of ten collapsible traps and net rings; or
(d) A seine which does not exceed 50 feet in length; and
(3) Not exceed the catch limits set forth in Regulation .10C and D of this chapter.

Read it without the "deleted text" and I think it will make more sense.

Basically if you aren't licensed you need to register....unless you are under 16, in a "Free Area", or on a licensed boat assisting.