DNR Seeks Public Comment On Proposed Commercial Crabbing Regulations

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking for public comment on proposed blue crab regulations for commercial fishermen in the Chesapeake and coastal bays.

The proposed regulations contain management measures including a set workday for the commercial fishery and a mandatory declared day off choice of Sunday or Monday. Additional measures would address the use of male crabs as bait in peeler pots. The Department will also require mandatory reporting by licensed dealers and buyers of crabs harvested from Maryland waters.

The proposed regulations would attempt to reduce the harvest of blue crabs in 2001, as part of a several year strategy to attain an overall reduction in effort of 15 percent.

"The goal is to leave a higher percentage of crabs in the bay from year to year," said Eric Schwaab, Director of the Fisheries Service for DNR.

The regulations are intended to produce long-term beneficial economic impacts for commercial crabbers, now and in the future, including larger numbers and size of crabs.

These changes have been presented at public forums throughout Maryland during October and November of last year. The Chesapeake Bay Commission has also coordinated the public discussion within the jurisdictions of the State of Maryland, The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission.

Legislation has also been introduced in the current session of the Maryland General Assembly to modify licensing of recreational crabbers and set new gear and catch limits. Virginia is also implementing additional measures to conserve blue crabs.

Public Hearings to receive public comment are scheduled for the dates, places and times below:

February 26, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Dorchester County Public Library
303 Gay Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-7331

February 27, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Ocean Pines Library
11107 Cathell Road
Berlin, MD 21811
410-208-4014

March 1, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Anne Arundel Community College
Florestano Building
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
410-541-2614

Posted: 2-15-2001