June 29, 2022

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

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