DNR Public Notice – Commercial Mature Female Hard Crab Catch Limits
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Maryland Department of Natural ResourcesFishing and Boating Services
Commercial Mature Female Hard Crab Catch Limits
July 1 through December 15, 2022
WHAT THIS NOTICE DOES
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with blue crab advisorygroups, announces the commercial mature female hard crab catch limits for the Chesapeake Bay and itstidal tributaries for July 1 through December 15, 2022.
Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2022, the bushel limits are:
Mature female hard crab bushel limits are based on results of the winter crab dredge survey conducted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and consultation with advisory groups and stakeholders.
Crew limits as described in Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, §4-814, are ineffect. If crew members are not on board, then the licensee is restricted to the TFL or CB3 bushel limits.
WHERE THIS NOTICE APPLIES
This applies to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of thePotomac River.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This action is necessary to ensure female blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bayexploitation fraction threshold established in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab FisheryManagement Plan.
WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS
This applies to commercial crabbers who harvest female blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidaltributaries.
AUTHORITY
Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G
Jeannie Haddaway-RiccioSecretary of Natural Resource
