DNR Public Notice – Chesapeake Bay Recreational Hard Crab Catch and Possession Limits
PUBLIC NOTICEThe Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
Chesapeake Bay Recreational Hard Crab Catch and Possession Limits
July 1 through December 15, 2022
WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces modifications to therecreational male hard crab catch and possession limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for July 1 through December 15, 2022.
Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2022, male hard crab catch and possession limits for individuals on a vessel are:
Male hard crab catch and possession limits are based on results of the winter crab dredge surveyconducted 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, includingthe Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River. This change does not affect recreational crabbing fromshore in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries. This change also does not affect recreationalcrabbing 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 maleconservation trigger referenced in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery ManagementPlan.
WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS
This applies to recreational crabbers who harvest male blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidaltributaries.
AUTHORITY
Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G
Jeannie Haddaway-RiccioSecretary of Natural Resource
