FISHERIES SERVICE DRAFT MANAGEMENT OPTIONS
FISHERIES SERVICE DRAFT MANAGEMENT OPTIONSThe Administrative Procedures Act (APA), State Government Article, §10-101 subseq., Annotated Code of Maryland states the process by which state agencies must follow to create regulatory law. The Department may propose emergency or permanent regulations through the APA process. Emergency regulations expire after a maximum of 180 days. The APA process for a permanent regulation includes a 30 day public comment period after publication of a proposed regulation in the MD register. The Department may also hold a public hearing during the official public comment period. Permanent regulations do not change unless the Department proposes amendments. To view current proposed regulations and information on the official public comment process visit the Fisheries Service Proposed Regulations webpage.
Public feedback submitted through this webpage will be reviewed by the Department prior to submitting proposed regulation. Please limit feedback to the specific changes addressed in the draft regulation. Comments received during the draft regulatory process will be kept separate from official public comment received during the APA regulatory process public comment period. We are unable to respond to the feedback we receive but we appreciate your time and your commitment to Maryland’s natural resources.
PROPOSED INLAND FISHERIES REGULATIONS FOR 2009 Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary John R. Griffin today announced an online meeting to receive comments and discussion on proposed regulations being considered for the Inland Fisheries Division of Maryland Fisheries Service for 2009. PROPOSAL #1.
Rationale: The full pool level of the reservoir extends upstream of the gas-line crossing and restricts reservoir anglers interested in baitfishing for panfish and other lake species. The powerline is a point above the full-pool extent and will shorten the Delayed Harvest by approximately 0.25 miles. Proposed Action: Youghiogheny River Mainstem. Below Friendsville from a site 50 yards downstream of Maple Street (at the confluence of Minnow Run) downstream 1.8 miles to the powerline crossing [to the gas-line crossing] upstream of Youghiogheny Reservoir. Click here to submit feedback for Proposal #1.
PROPOSAL #2 Rationale: Anglers should be afforded full Put-and-Take opportunity to harvest fish when temperatures begin to rise.
PROPOSAL #3 Rationale: Concerns have been raised on some of the Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Areas that show increases in water temperature prior to the June 16 start date of the harvest period and may become too warm for trout. Several options are being considered to deal with the temperature problem.
PROPOSAL #4 Rationale: Members of the public expressed concerns that the area was closed for a long period when angling opportunities in late winter or early spring in the area are limited. By changing the closure dates on the Savage, anglers would be given more opportunities to fish the stream prior to opening day.
PROPOSAL #5 Rationale: Special black bass regulations established on portions of the Potomac River to improve size structure and catch rates for quality size bass proved to be ineffective. Data show that very few anglers keep black bass on the Potomac River, so the goal of altering the population by manipulating catch size did not achieve the goals set by the regulation. Proposed Action: [ Maximum Size Bass Fishing Area. The following special requirements are in effect in the Potomac River from Dam 3 to Dam 4: Potomac River from Dam 3 to Dam 4 would then fall under these regulations: Open Seasons, Creel, and Size Limits on Game and Fresh Water Fish in Nontidal Waters (3) Minimum Size from Tip of Nose to End of Caudal Fin or Tail
PROPOSAL #6 Rationale: This area on Catoctin Creek was investigated for stocking and Myersville officials who manage the park were favorable to the proposal. Little Catoctin Creek is a tributary that flows into the park in the same area and the town has agreed to include this section. The town preferred the Delayed Harvest regulations as it fits better with other park activities. The preferred opening day for the harvest portion on this area would be June 1.
PROPOSAL #7 Rationale: This point has been recognized by the Natural Resources Police in the area, but has not been formalized in regulation. Proposed Action: Dividing Lines, Tidal and Nontidal Waters. Harford County DNR Inland Fisheries Division management activities are supported by the Sportfish Restoration Program (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux) funds, and by fees from the sale of freshwater fishing licenses and trout stamps. |
In addition to the public feedback electronic submission through this webpage, public feedback on draft options may also be sent by fax to 410-260-8310 or by postal mail to Fisheries Service, Regulations Office, Tawes State Office Building B-2, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401.