ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with blue crab advisory groups, announces the commercial mature female hard crab catch limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries for July through December 2021. Effective 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2021, the bushel limits are as follows:
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.
Crew limits as described in Annotated Code of Maryland, Natural Resources Article, §4-814, are in effect. 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 the Potomac River.
WHY THIS IS NECESSARY
This action is necessary to ensure female blue crab harvest does not exceed the Chesapeake Bay exploitation fraction threshold established in Amendment 2 to the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan.
WHO THIS NOTICE AFFECTS
This applies to commercial crabbers who harvest female blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries.
AUTHORITY
Code of Maryland Regulations 08.02.03.14G.