PUBLIC NOTICE
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
Public Hearing on Proposed Blue Crab Regulations

Pursuant to Natural Resources Article, §4-803, Annotated Code of Maryland, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed blue crab regulations on February 4, 2016 at 5 p.m. in the C-1 Conference Room of the Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401.

The purpose of this action is to update crabbing regulations. The proposed action:

• Removes the requirement to contain a live male crab used for peeler bait to the upper chamber of the crab pot;
• Prohibits the use of crabs in the bait box;
• Removes the cull ring closure for crab pots in Worcester County;
• Creates a minimum size for a float;
• Corrects the crab catch limits for crabbing charters. The limits are different in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

For more information regarding this proposal, visit: http://dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/Pages/regulations/proposed.aspx#bluecrab.

All interested parties are invited to attend and give their views. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request.

Mark J. Belton
Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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