WDS

[reds]

MARYLAND's DNR is probably one of the few state agencies that actually is worthwhile and for the most part trustworthy (at least the employees in my opinion), but keep in mind, the heads are still polititcians. I believe they are appointed and that usually means its not always "Guided by Science".

Practicing for the comedy hour?

To bad you don't attend the amount of meetings I do, you'd see how funny your statement is.

[ChrisS]

Im not a DNR hater. Its a tough job, and for the most part, I think they're doing the best they can.

Could they improve, of course, so could you.

[tugcapt]

I just wonder why the DNR does not post the voluntary rec report numbers?  Is it something they are holding, to spring on everyone later on, when they need to make adjustments to rules and catch limits?
Who will they affect when they do report rec numbers? I think the comm crabber will still take a hard hit if they say the catch needs to be adjusted because of rec crabbing numbers.
They may take a bushel (of two) away from a rec crabbers daily limit, but I am sure they will take much more away from comms at the same time. Is this when catch share will happen? 

[Mikie]

I would imagine that the voluntary rec reports are under utilized at best, and therefore not significant enough or accurate enough for a management tool.

[Mr. Ray III]

I would imagine that the voluntary rec reports are under utilized at best, and therefore not significant enough or accurate enough for a management tool.

Sounds like a pilot program needs to be instituted for recs....

[Dreampixels]

I just wonder why the DNR does not post the voluntary rec report numbers?  Is it something they are holding, to spring on everyone later on, when they need to make adjustments to rules and catch limits?
Who will they affect when they do report rec numbers? I think the comm crabber will still take a hard hit if they say the catch needs to be adjusted because of rec crabbing numbers.
They may take a bushel (of two) away from a rec crabbers daily limit, but I am sure they will take much more away from comms at the same time. Is this when catch share will happen?  

I have no problem reporting my catches. I do now. I am wondering how it could even be enforceable or even be considered creditable.

With all the mistrust I see routinely displayed against the DNR and law enforcement I have no option other then to believe the commercial reporting they are getting contains many bogus numbers.

I believe commercial reporting is done so the licensing can be maintained in active status, but I highly doubt if much of it is true numbers.

I reckon they could hire enough DNR people and place one of every boat, boat commercial and Rec, or have DNR check stations like they do for hunting bears and stuff - or they could give ya tags like in hunting, recs get so many tags, commercial get so many tags - when there used your done - course they need your license number on them so a black market of tags can't spring up.

Looks to me like more government, but then more government on any one but me is good right?

[fishingtom]

I think tagging bushels with a numbered personal tag with license number is a great idea.  Commercials want an accurate count of rec crabs and that would do it.  Oh yeah and the tax man wants an accurate count on the commercials crabs and it would do that also.  Also huge fine if caught without tag in place...That solves all the discrepancies.  I have no problem with it.  Let's see who does...

[Dreampixels]

I think tagging bushels with a personal tag with license number is a great idea.  Commercials want an accurate count of rec crabs and that would do it.  Oh yeah and the tax man wants an accurate count on the commercials crabs and it would do that also.  Also huge fine if caught without tag in place...That solves all the discrepancies.  I have no problem with it.  Let's see who does...

Tutor Tutor Tutor I tells ya Tutor you is what you is not what you is not.

[Mr. Ray III]

Tags=catch shares.  Catch shares ruin fisheries....every fishery a catch share was implemented, has totally destroyed those involved in it. 

[fishingtom]

Not catch shares unless they tell you how many tags you can have.  You can have as many as you want but must turn in unused at the end of the year.

[Mr. Ray III]

Not catch shares unless they tell you how many tags you can have.  You can have as many as you want but must turn in unused at the end of the year.

So, what would be keeping a commercial crabber from selling his female tags to a rec?  How would they know?   Sounds alot like selling a catch share quota. 

In case you haven't seen the DNR's office where they keep the commercial catch reports, it looks like a twister went through that place.  Reports are scattered everywhere.  Tags (aka catch shares) are no way feisable.  Your saying give 100k recs enough tags to get a bushel of crabs everyday of the season for 6 days a week??

Now, try to picture this.  WOrking all day in the hot sun on your boat.  You have a place where you can sell crabs right at the dock.  But instead, load up all your crabs, take them 30 minutes down the road to check them in then haul them back.   Makes the day about 2 hours longer.

[captaincrab55]

I think tagging bushels with a numbered personal tag with license number is a great idea.  Commercials want an accurate count of rec crabs and that would do it.  Oh yeah and the tax man wants an accurate count on the commercials crabs and it would do that also.  Also huge fine if caught without tag in place...That solves all the discrepancies.  I have no problem with it.  Let's see who does...

   Sounds like Accountability...      Now, just wondering how it would play out with someone on SS Disability and Commercial Crabbing for extra money ??

[fishingtom]

   Sounds like Accountability...      Now, just wondering how it would play out with someone on SS Disability and Commercial Crabbing for extra money ??

Isn't that "Against the Law".  Reported income is reported income.  With this plan the ones who did things by the book would be on a equal playing field with tax cheats.  Oh yeah and the 95,000 recs who take a bushel a day 6 days a week would get counted.  I am willing to bet 3/4 of those rec licenses either never hit the water or do so one time with visions of bushels only to realize buying crabs is easier and cheaper for most...As for the amount of paperwork, you would be amazed how much info can be printed in a barcode...streamline everything.

[genecrabman]

I think each crab should be Tagged............

[Mikie]

Isn't that "Against the Law".  Reported income is reported income.  With this plan the ones who did things by the book would be on a equal playing field with tax cheats.  Oh yeah and the 95,000 recs who take a bushel a day 6 days a week would get counted.  I am willing to bet 3/4 of those rec licenses either never hit the water or do so one time with visions of bushels only to realize buying crabs is easier and cheaper for most...As for the amount of paperwork, you would be amazed how much info can be printed in a barcode...streamline everything.

Commercial reports already have barcode labels which must be attached or the report is rejected. Tags have been used for years in the striped bass fishery and the unused tags have to be returned and counted and compared against the catch reports. Ever been to DNR HQ and see the boxes and boxes of returned tags stacked in all of the cubicles? Now the plan is to charge each commercial licensee for the tags that the DNR sends and you are required to use. DNR can't keep up with the small number of commercial licenses, they're not about to tackle keeping track of the vast number of recs.

[fishingtom]

I think each crab should be Tagged............

Gene, I am not the one pushing for accountability, but I like your style.  I would not have a problem marking a couple dozen crabs once every couple weeks....

Hey you commercial guys, buy some sharpies...

[Dreampixels]

Commercial reports already have barcode labels which must be attached or the report is rejected. Tags have been used for years in the striped bass fishery and the unused tags have to be returned and counted and compared against the catch reports. Ever been to DNR HQ and see the boxes and boxes of returned tags stacked in all of the cubicles? Now the plan is to charge each commercial licensee for the tags that the DNR sends and you are required to use. DNR can't keep up with the small number of commercial licenses, they're not about to tackle keeping track of the vast number of recs.

So now they are going to pile up more information on which crab house is selling Maryland Crabs?

[Seanile]

... DNR can't keep up with the small number of commercial licenses, they're not about to tackle keeping track of the vast number of recs.

Then why have they asked for reports for the last 4 seasons?

What's to tackle?  The same computer that receives the reports should be able to generate a spreadsheet showing the catch totals as well as the geographical stats.

[registereduser]

easiest way is to sell bushell tags, when you buy license, can buy up to say 50 bu tags, turn in unused for a dollar , buy and sell as needed, uh oh
the problem isnt knowing the numbers, its what to do about it, i doubt it ll be WTG keep it up.
The restrictions on females have made recs pressure the boys, i know a lot that would fill their basket of whatever.
maybe this forum could sample and get a good idea, like flounderpounder, trips, bushels, keep it to the waters of the WDs survey. I'll post my#s, hint i would buy at least 30 tags.

[fishingtom]

The tags are license specific.  Can't trade sell borrow or steal, there yours or there not...

[fishingtom]

There are already computers statewide that can print the tickets (lottery machines) and all that would be needed by law enforcement is an inexpensive bar scanner.  Tickets would have your name and be numbered.  End of the year just get a printout.  Casinos can keep track of your play easy enough.  Now there is no one else to blame...If you want true accountability you can get it, just watch your glass house...

[Crabslayer]

Practicing for the comedy hour?

To bad you don't attend the amount of meetings I do, you'd see how funny your statement is.

Yeah Reds, Steve Early wasn't appointed.  He looked real professional walking out of the DT meeting didn't he.  Comms are trying to work with DNR and DNR's representative gets up and walks out after making a smart azz remark about watermen.

[ChrisS]

Yeah Reds, Steve Early wasn't appointed.  He looked real professional walking out of the DT meeting didn't he.  Comms are trying to work with DNR and DNR's representative gets up and walks out after making a smart azz remark about watermen.

I would think an email or phone call to his superior would provide swift action.

[Crabslayer]

I would think an email or phone call to his superior would provide swift action.

Oh I think he was repremanded on the spot after two hours of being MIA his azz showed up for the last 10 mins of the meeting.  I'm sure Griffin got a call from someone and Griffin probably told him to get back there.  I would have terminated him, period!

[ChrisS]

That kind of behavior is unacceptable!