08.02.03.06

.06 Collapsible Crab Traps and Crab Net Rings.

A. An individual may not set or fish a trotline, crab net ring, or collapsible crab trap within 100 feet of a trotline.

B. In the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries:

(1) An individual may not catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes with any combination of more than ten collapsible traps and net rings; or

(2) If two or more individuals are on a boat, not more than any combination of 25 collapsible traps and net rings may be set per boat.

C. In the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries:

(1) An individual may not catch or attempt to catch crabs for recreational purposes with any combination of more than ten collapsible traps and net rings unless the individual is:

(a) Licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes; or

(b) On a boat licensed as a recreational crabbing boat or a boat licensed as a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing boat;

(2) If an individual is licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes, not more than 30 collapsible traps or net rings or not more than 30 of a combination of collapsible traps and net rings may be set;

(3) Not more than 30 collapsible traps or net rings or not more than 30 of a combination of collapsible traps and net rings may be set per boat:

(a) Regardless of the number of individuals licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes on a boat;

(b) If the boat is licensed as a recreational crabbing boat; or

(c) If the boat is licensed as a Chesapeake Bay sport fishing boat; and

(4) Regardless of the number of unlicensed individuals on a boat that is not licensed, not more than 20 collapsible traps or net rings or not more than 20 of a combination of collapsible traps and net rings may be set per boat.

D. A collapsible crab trap or crab net ring which is not attached to a pier, wharf, or boat shall be marked with a buoy bearing the name of the owner.