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Panel approves rule clarifying how blue crab harvesters verify eligibility
Summary
Subcommittee approved a regulation implementing a 2025 statute that limits blue crab trap licenses and requires three‑year, verifiable harvest documentation—set at about 4,000 pounds over three years—using wholesale dealer reports to determine eligibility.
The subcommittee approved a regulation clarifying how the Department of Natural Resources will verify commercial harvest for limited blue crab trap licenses under a statute that took effect July 1, 2025.
The presenter said the statute creates a limited fishery and requires license holders to meet a documented harvest threshold every three years to renew their license. "This regulation is just set to clarify how the department determines verifiable documentation," the presenter said, adding the department will use mandatory wholesale dealer reports already required by law.
Committee members asked how many harvesters exist and what the cap is. The presenter said about 169 privileges are authorized and roughly 150 license holders are active; the department identified about 100 previously but has 169 commercial harvesters eligible and 150 active licensees. The presenter stated the harvest threshold is 4,000 pounds over three years, roughly 100 bushels.
A committee member asked whether licenses would be removed if not used; the presenter explained the statute established a ‘‘use it or lose it’’ approach and that the regulation will implement the verification process. The subcommittee approved Document 5440 and forwarded it to the full committee.
The regulation implements statutory eligibility and relies on existing dealer reporting to verify harvests, which the presenter said reduces additional paperwork for harvesters and provides a verifiable standard for renewals.
