Collapsible Trap in VA 2008

I had a discussion, offline, with a member about "What are Collapsible Traps?" I sent Jack Travelstead a the question and got this back:

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From: Travelstead, Jack (MRC)

Jack, you are correct. Virginia Code makes no reference to collapsible traps for taking crabs. However, we have interpreted the Code to mean “collapsible traps” when it refers to “handlines”. We do not consider collapsible traps to be crab pots and therefore, a person is not limited to just two collapsible traps. Crabbers using collapsible traps are still held to the recreational limits on crabs.

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From: Jack
Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2008 1:39 PM
To: Travelstead, Jack (MRC)
Subject: Crab Traps

Dear Jack,

Once again the discussion about what are Collapsible Trap has come up on Bluecrab.info . Somewhere I read or heard that this subject would have to be settled by legislation but that the VMRC Officer's have been instructed to consider Collapsible Traps the same as handlines.

One of our member is saying that in a discussion with a VMRC Officer he was told that Collapsible Traps are the same as Commercial Pots. Which limits the recreational crabber to 2 per person.

Could someone clear this up for us? I would like to have something that I can quote on the forum.

Thank You

Jack , Global Moderator Bluecrab.info