Re: MA Crab Traps: The Difinitive Discussion of Laws/Regs

[Professor_Leakey]

In the hopes to clear up the confusion in regards to the use of collapsible trap(s), and whether or not a permit was required to do so, I contacted the MA Division of Marine Fisheries.  The two biologists that I communicated with were extremely helpful.  I was assured that the use of multiple collapsible traps was allowed without the recreational lobster/crabbing permit. The permissible use of multiple traps also puts to rest the potential issue of direct control, because by definition it would not be possible to have multiple traps under direct control; it is simply akin to setting multiple hand lines.

I have included the email correspondence below in an effort to clear up any confusion generated in previous posts in this thread.  Bottom line, it is the opinion of the state fisheries biologists that the use of multiple collapsible traps does NOT require a permit.  I hope that this can help put an end to the debate.  I would hate for people to be misled after reading previous posts in this thread.

[skikid00]

I've read every words in this thread and still confused.  "NO ONE" on here with any definitive answer.  Here are what I'd like to know in black and white:

1. Do I need a permit/license to crab?

2. Do I need a permit using traps?
    Ring traps?
    Open box traps?

3. How many traps per person?

Thank you Professor for all the leg work!  Now i can answer the above questions in a simple manner. 

1. Do I need a permit/license to crab?  NO

2. Do I need a permit using traps? 
    Ring traps?  NO
    Open box traps?  NO

3. How many traps per person?  The reasonable amount a person can handle

[chef]

 

[boysenberrygirl]

Nice! I couldn't imagine having only one trap and/or handline per person.

[Fairhaven Crabber]

this is great information to know, thanks for doing the research Leaky!