Monday, January 16, 2006

New Blue Crab Limits Start Today

The NC Division of Marine Fisheries' new Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan goes into effect today and there are some new limitations for both recreational and commercial fishermen who harvest them. The new regulations create maximum sizes for female crabs and are designed to leave more large females since the larger female crabs produce more eggs. Starting today, fishermen will not be allowed to keep female crabs over 6 3/4 inches from spike to spike or female peeler crabs over 5 1/2 inches from spike to spike. Peeler crabs are ones that are in the process of developing a new soft shell under their hard shell before they shed. The new regulations will stay in place from September 1st to April 30th for at least the next two years. Officials with the NC DMF are optimistic that the new regulations will result in increased egg and larval production, more multiple broods, and in the end, more crabs for everyone. For more on this story visit the Newbern Sun Journal and the NC DMF for more details.

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