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CommunityDon’t just restrict us
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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Unbelievable. That is all I have to say about the proposed regulations for crabbers on the Chesapeake Bay. It never ceases to amaze me the multitude of restrictions placed on the few recreational crabbers who take in maybe a few bushels of crabs over an entire season in contrast to the hesitancy of lawmakers to restrict, in any way, commercial crabbers who take in several bushels a day at least throughout the season. Where is the common sense?
If we want to save the crabs, then why don’t we put the harshest restrictions on the commercial crabbers, the ones who make the most impact on the crab population? This is a no-brainer. If no one catches female crabs then all of the females will be available to make more baby crabs. Really, is this so difficult? I understand that the commercial fishermen have a livelihood to maintain, but certainly they must understand that it has to be sustainable. If they fish all of the oysters, all of the crabs, without restriction now, they will have absolutely no livelihood in a few years.
As for the imposed restrictions on recreational crabbers, most recreational crabbers I know who care at all about sustaining our resources throw back the females anyways. I know our family has done that ever since I can remember, and my grandparents did it as well. I think that lawmakers are fooling themselves if they think that the restrictions on recreational crabbers will reduce the capture of female crabs.
I urge you to write to our Maryland officials or call them and encourage them to use common sense instead of being motivated by their wallets. Do we really want to save our nay? Then let’s make and enforce laws that reflect our beliefs.
Heather MacQuilliam, Hollywood
