MD DNR notice on Rec Ches Bay Blue Crab Limits

[SteveL]

Public Notice: Chesapeake Bay Recreational Hard Crab Catch and Possession Limits

Maryland Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 06/27/2023 01:17 PM EDT

WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces modifications to the recreational male hard crab catch and possession limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for July 2023 through June 2024. Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2023, male hard crab catch and possession limits for individuals on a vessel are:

SEE TABLE on website below

Recreational Hard Crab Limits July12023-June302024
Male hard crab catch and possession limits are based on results of the winter crab dredge survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and consultation with advisory groups and stakeholders.

WHERE THIS NOTICE APPLIES
This applies to recreational crabbing on vessels in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. This change does not affect recreational crabbing from shore in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. This change also does not affect recreational crabbing from shore or on a vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, or their tributaries.

WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This action is necessary to ensure male blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bay male conservation trigger referenced in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan.

WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS
This applies to recreational crabbers who harvest male blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.

AUTHORITY
Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDDNR/bulletins/362351f