Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proposing regulatory changes that would reduce the fishing effort directed to the blue crab fishery in 2001. The blue crab fishery is in need of conservation and management measures to reduce crabbing effort and catch. These measures will sustain the crab spawning stock and help stabilize the commercial and recreational fisheries for the long term in the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Bays of Maryland.
The proposed regulations would require a work day of a set 8-hour crabbing period for the commercial fishery, a mandatory Sunday or Monday off and limit gear and hours of crabbing in coastal bays. The proposed regulations would also impose measures that address the use of male crabs as bait in peeler pots and impose a minimum air-volume requirement in bank traps. This hearing will also introduce a proposed November 1 blue crab season closure.
The public hearing establishing new commercial crabbing regulations will be held Tuesday, May 22, 2001 at 7:00 p.m., in the cafeteria at the Department of Natural Resources, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD. All interested parties are invited to attend and give their views. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.
Posted: 5-8-2001
