.12 Special Regulations for Crabbing in Worcester County.

A. Structural Requirements of Crab Pots. Notwithstanding Regulation .07A and B of this chapter, a crab pot set in the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries shall have one unobstructed 2-5/16 inch cull ring on a side panel of the upper compartment and one 2-5/16 inch cull ring on a panel at the lower compartment of the crab pot. The cull ring is not required in a crab pot constructed with unstretched mesh measuring less than 1-1/2 inches or at least 2 inches on each side.

B. Daily Catch Limits.

(1) Commercial. The daily catch limit in the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries is 25 bushels, 16 lugs, or 10 barrels per commercial boat.

(2) Recreational. The daily catch limit in the waters of the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries is:

(a) 1 bushel per individual if storing crabs in a bushel;

(b) 6 dozen crabs per individual if storing crabs in any container other than a bushel;

(c) 2 bushels per boat if two or more individuals are on the boat and storing crabs in bushels; and

(d) 12 dozen crabs per boat if two or more individuals are on the boat and storing crabs in any container other than bushels.

C. Seasons for Catching Crabs.

(1) Commercial. A person licensed to catch crabs for sale may not catch crabs in the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries between October 31 and April 1.

(2) Recreational. A person may not catch crabs for recreational purposes in the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries between December 31 and April 1.

D. Commercial Daily Time Restrictions. A person licensed to catch crabs for sale may remove crabs from commercial gear and set or retrieve crab pots in the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries only during the following time periods:

(1) Between sunrise and 8-1/2 hours after sunrise during April and October;

(2) Except as provided in §D(3) of this regulation, between 1/2 hour before sunrise to 8 hours after sunrise during the period May through September; and

(3) Between 1-1/2 hours before sunrise to 8 hours after sunrise on Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, July 4, Labor Day, and the day immediately preceding each of those holidays.

E. Gear Restrictions. A person may not catch crabs in the coastal bays of the Atlantic Ocean and their tidal tributaries by scrape.

F. Landing Provision. Crabs caught in the waters of Worcester County may be landed out of the State.