PUBLIC NOTICE
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Fishing and Boating Services
Corrected 2016 Commercial Horseshoe Crab Fishery

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) pursuant to the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.02.10.01G(3) establishes the quota, season, and catch limits for the commercial horseshoe crab fishery, effective 12:01 a.m. May 2, 2016.

This notice replaces the Horseshoe Crab notice that was issued April 8, 2016 that stated a person may not catch or land horseshoe crabs in Maryland through May 1, 2016.

Quota:

The annual total allowable landings of male horseshoe crabs for the commercial fishery is 255,980. There is no female harvest permitted.

Season:

May 2, 2016 through July 8, 2016:
A person may catch or land horseshoe crabs outside of 1 mile of the Atlantic coast.
A person may catch or land horseshoe crabs in Maryland’s coastal bays and their tidal tributaries.
A person may not catch or land horseshoe crabs within 1 mile of the Atlantic Coast or the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.

July 9, 2016 through November 30, 2016: A person may catch or land horseshoe crabs from the tidal waters of the State.

December 1, 2016 through April 30, 2017: A person may not catch or land horseshoe crabs in Maryland.

Catch Limits:

An individual may not land more than 25 male horseshoe crabs unless they are in possession of a valid horseshoe crab landing permit.

May 2, 2016 through July 8, 2016: A permittee may not land more than 150 male horseshoe crabs per day.

July 9, 2016 through November 30, 2016: A permittee may not land more male horseshoe crabs than the amount specified on their permit.

All other rules remain the same (COMAR 08.02.10.01).

Contact Steve.Doctor for more information.

Mark J. Belton
Secretary
Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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