Not required for crabbing in NJ.
From the FAQ section. Note the highlighted section.
Q: Will I need to register in order to harvest crabs, mussels, clams, lobsters, shrimp and other shellfish?
A: It depends on the targeted species and the method used to harvest. If recreationally harvesting shellfish, an individual is not required to register, but it is likely that other license or permit requirements apply to those species. Registration is required when recreationally fishing for shellfish or lobster when using any of the following recreational gear: spear, hook-and-line, hand line, rod-and-line, or by hand.
Although recreational crabbing does not require registry, there may be other licenses and permits required to harvest crab or lobster with commercial gear. Please visit the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website at
www.njfishandwildlife.com or see the Marine Digest for more details.