2009 UPDATE

[crabbing4fun]

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2008/121508.html

[tugcapt]

So, If I read this right, you can register for a complimentary rec license if you don't have one.  The complimentary license will be the same limits as not having one.
They just want a number of rec crabers? 

[Dreampixels]

So, If I read this right, you can register for a complimentary rec license if you don't have one.  The complimentary license will be the same limits as not having one.
They just want a number of rec crabers? 

That seems to be it, seems like a lot of paper to continue to be free for long.

[ILLSWIMHOME]

Looks like you need to register for the right to crab and keep up to 2 doz but if you want the bushel you gotta buy a license.  A license and a registration card will problably be two seperate things. 

[crabbing4fun]

HERE IS THE 2009 PROPOSAL
    http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/2009CrabProposalSummary.pdf

[tugcapt]

According to this, you get a complimentary license if you register.  I wonder how much all this paperwork will cost?

"crabbers not currently licensed to register for a complimentary license from DNR online......"

It looks like in the proposals, they are calling the registration a "basic crabbing license". 

[Crabbyd]

It will be done online and go into a database.  How much paper should it cost?  To get a handle on the number of crabs you need to get a handle on who is crabbing.  If we want to get this problem heading in the right direction, we all need to pitch in and this is the first step.  You can not keep taking form the commercial waterman while the number of rec continues to grow at an unknown rate and think this is going to fix itself.  This is a first step in the right direction.

[rdbeard]

 AMEN !

[DipNSip]

I'm a rec crabber but I believe that the Commercial crabbers have taken enough of a hit. For all of the other non-licensed people it's only going to take a simple stop at most bait stores and a few minutes of time. Big deal!

[Dreampixels]

I'm a rec crabber but I believe that the Commercial crabbers have taken enough of a hit. For all of the other non-licensed people it's only going to take a simple stop at most bait stores and a few minutes of time. Big deal!

I think the point that is trying to be made is this.   The DNR is attempting to collect recreational data. Their first step is to find out how many recs are crabbing. To do this ALL need some form of documentation to do it.

Now they know how many individual there are. This does not give them ANY idea of how many crabs the RECs take unless they just figure each license issue to max catch. We all know that would be grossly wrong. This means some type of catch report will be needed. So at some point time both the REC and then DNR will have the additional paper work or gathering the numbers and tallying the total which will both require people and time which equal money.

Store owners are going to need to take their time and their shop space to be able to hand out FREE license.

I believe these are the point being made........IMO

[Crabbyd]

I think the point that is trying to be made is this.   The DNR is attempting to collect recreational data. Their first step is to find out how many recs are crabbing. To do this ALL need some form of documentation to do it.

Now they know how many individual there are. This does not give them ANY idea of how many crabs the RECs take unless they just figure each license issue to max catch. We all know that would be grossly wrong. This means some type of catch report will be needed. So at some point time both the REC and then DNR will have the additional paper work or gathering the numbers and tallying the total which will both require people and time which equal money.

Store owners are going to need to take their time and their shop space to be able to hand out FREE license.

I believe these are the point being made........IMO

The free license WILL NOT be issued by tackle shops or bait stores.  They will only be available via online or one of the seven DNR service centers.  They will also be using a method of calculations to figure out an average catch per license.  How accurate it is, I couldn't tell you but I would feel safe in saying they are not going to max out each license.  There was an article out a few months ago explaining how they plan to average the rec's catch.

[Dreampixels]

The free license WILL NOT be issued by tackle shops or bait stores.  They will only be available via online or one of the seven DNR service centers.  They will also be using a method of calculations to figure out an average catch per license.  How accurate it is, I couldn't tell you but I would feel safe in saying they are not going to max out each license.  There was an article out a few months ago explaining how they plan to average the rec's catch.

Think they will take random sampling..........the internet reporting system proved to be inaccurate on the forum here, I for one forgot to report every time I went and my catch each time, not because I did not want to, just because I forgot.

The numbers will be interesting to see...........

[reds]

The numbers will be interesting to see...........

What will be interesting is if DNR admits, after data input, that the rec numbers are higher then the 8% they use for rec harvest.

The Smithsonian has a research center on the West River and have been studying crabs for years. Their data indicates the number is more in the 30+ percentile.   

[jack1747]

What will be interesting is if DNR admits, after data input, that the rec numbers are higher then the 8% they use for rec harvest.

The Smithsonian has a research center on the West River and have been studying crabs for years. Their data indicates the number is more in the 30+ percentile.   

Ya got a link to that?    I would like to read the data..  As for averages, they usually don't mean much.  Average depth of our creek is probably inches but don't try to walk across it if you don't know the creek and can't swim..   

[ILLSWIMHOME]

Would it make to much sense for everyone to need to keep their license on them when crabbing and maybe put a phone # on the bottom for you to call in and report the catch?  I hear DE commercial guys need to do it that way.  Granted, now you are relying on the general public to be honest and do it every time they go out, but now you can be a little more accurate.

[Dreampixels]

Ya got a link to that?    I would like to read the data..  As for averages, they usually don't mean much.  Average depth of our creek is probably inches but don't try to walk across it if you don't know the creek and can't swim..   

You got that right, I had to explain that average stuff to the girl friend too...........

[reds]

Ya got a link to that?    I would like to read the data..  As for averages, they usually don't mean much.  Average depth of our creek is probably inches but don't try to walk across it if you don't know the creek and can't swim..   

Do I have a link to that? Sure. Just call Maryland DNR and ask for the recordings of the meetings this past winter on the crab harvest reductions. A guy from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center will identify himself, on the tape and make the statement from the audience.....http://www.serc.si.edu/education/resources/bluecrab/index.jsp.....

Tagging programs tell a lot.

Why do you think the Maryland DNR has suddenly decided to find out just how many crabs are harvested recreationaly
in the state? Answer is, their 8% pat answer is no longer valid in scientific minds.

[jack1747]

It looks like they only do research on the Rhode River.