The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering changing some of his regulations and penalties for 2015, and they are asking for public commentary. "Receiving comments provides the Department with invaluable information and perspectives that may be incorporated into content or editorial changes." Commercial changes include:
  1. Fail to be present/provide TFL and SB Permit at check station – 5 pts/No suspension (No opposition from the workgroup)
  2. ITQ – Over Quota – 100 lbs or more 30 pts/365 day suspension (The workgroup wanted some tolerance before suspensions were imposed and then incremental steps over the tiers depending on the amount of overage.)
  3. Common Pool – Over Catch Limit – Change current tiers to match the fine schedule with 0-50 lbs over being 10 pts, 30 day suspension and 50 lbs or more being 30 pts, 365 day suspen Now's your chance to have your voice heard about penalties and regulations imposed upon Bay fishermen. sion (The workgroup wanted some tolerance before suspensions were imposed and then incremental steps over the tiers depending on the amount of overage.)
  4. Fail to have striped bass counted and weighed at a check station not later than 9 am on the day immediately following harvest – 5 pts/No suspension (No opposition from the workgroup)
  5. Setting crab pots after harvest time – 5pts/No suspension (The workgroup asked DNR to wait on this addition to see if additional violations occur during the 2014 season, thus warranting the violation to be added.)
  6. Members asked DNR to consider changing the oyster time penalties to allow 30 minutes before and 30 min—1 hour after instead of just 2 hours after for a penalty.
  7. Members asked DNR to consider tolerances on river herring prior to a penalty being imposed, specifically with pound nets.
  8. Members asked DNR to consider a tolerance for shad.
And the recreational changes include:
  1. Striped bass in possession between 12am and 5am – 90 day suspension
  2. Crabbing trotline length violation – 90 day suspension
  3. Improper rec gear use:
    • a. # of jugs/trotlines/traps/rods – 90 day suspension
    • b. Distance violations for projectile gears – 180 day suspension
  4. Crab pots w/o TEDs – 180 day suspension
  5. River herring
    • a. 2-4 fish – 90 day suspension
    • b. 5-10 fish – 180 day suspension
    • c. 11 or more fish – 365 day suspension
  6. Targeting striped bass in closed area – 180 day suspension
  7. Recreational crab pot registration – 365 day suspension
Multiple other changes are proposed, specific to certain species (from striped bass to crabs, spiny dogfish to snapping turtles). If you are interested in voicing your opinion, feedback is due by the close of business on Friday, August 8. You can view all of the proposed changes here, and email [email protected] to have your voice heard.