Wednesday, June 6, 2007

 

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to Code of Maryland Regulation 08.02.10.01 has announced the following modifications to regulations for the 2007 commercial horseshoe crab fishery in order to comply with Addendum IV of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crab. Beginning June 8 and continuing through July 15, the fishery will only be open more than one mile off the Maryland Atlantic coast. Harvesters possessing a Maryland Horseshoe Crab Harvester’s Permit shall be allowed to harvest and possess 100 crabs per day. Beginning July 16 and continuing through November 30, all Maryland waters will be open and harvesters with a permit shall be allowed to harvest and possess daily the number of crabs indicated on their permits. Those fishermen without a permit are limited to harvesting and possessing 25 crabs per day.

The Secretary may, by public notice, alter the catch limits or close the season if the catch rates exceed expectations and the state quota is calculated to be met or exceeded prior to the regulated November 30, 2007 season end.