New NYS DEC Signs At Captree

[ralphrepo]

Two steps forward, but one step back.

Noticed something new at Captree State Park this year; New York State DEC signs mounted on the pier rails that spells out the size allowed, maximum numbers allowed, and prohibition on egg laden females. That, I think would go a very long way into educating the public about what the rules are and there can be no excuses. On the flip side, I noticed too that on both the signage and even the DEC's web site, their interchangeable use of the words minimum and limit is rather confusing. While I know what it is supposed to mean, the language on the site and the sign does not convey the intent of the law.

By stating size limit, most English language speakers would understand it as the maximum size allowed. Case in point, in English, we all understand what Speed Limit, Credit Limit, Term Limit, et cetera means, right? That is, to go no further than, no more than, or do not exceed, right? So a Crab Size Limit should be interpreted how; as "No Bigger than?" Indeed, the DEC site goes on to cite the maximum numbers of certain species of fish by also using the word limit. Thus the sign posted by the DEC, even as it intends a meaning of minimum size allowed, actually conveys that you cannot take crabs larger than 4.5 inches. I wonder if anyone would ever try to take the DEC to court and fight a fine for harvesting shorts because frankly, the DEC actually states that you can only take crabs no more than 4.5 inches (ie. limited to 4.5 inches)?



See also: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html

 

[BirdsNestKing]

Looooooooooooooooooooooooooong over do!!!!

Now we'll see what results it'll produce.

[tattoo]

We will see what happens now ??

[Ron]

Nice looking sign.

[crewstation]

ralph,

You bring up a valid point and I can see what you're saying.  My guess is that the regs are clearer than the sign, and the regs most likely would provide authority in court.

[skikid00]

it does sound like you can only keep 4.5" or smaller.  Not cool!

[CaptMoose]

Better wording instead of "Size Limit" would be "Minimum Size".

[ralphrepo]

Looks like the new DEC signs now properly reflect common understanding and usage of the words 'limit' and 'minimum.'' I saw a video recently where the viewer showed the new signs (with English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean text). Interesting though, there is no notice of the new restrictions on Jonah crabs, which is slightly more restrictive than blue crabs. Jonah minimum size is 4.75 inches and possession limits of 50 per day. Oh well... two steps forward, one step back.