Comment on crabbing rule proposal

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008

Designed to help rebuild the Chesapeake Bay's blue crab population and fishery, the proposed regulations continue the scientifically established conservation goals of reducing female blue crab harvest by 34 percent and ensuring that no more than 46 percent of the blue crab population is harvested annually, the release said.

The proposed regulations for the 2009 Chesapeake Bay commercial blue crab fishery include daily bushel limits for mature female hard crabs and seasonal closures.

The proposed regulations close the commercial season for harvesting mature female hard crabs from June 1 through June 15, Sept. 26 through Oct. 4, and Nov. 11 to Dec. 15, 2009. Additionally, in order to protect blue crabs from overfishing, DNR proposes to limit excess harvest capacity by temporarily freezing unused licenses. Limited Commercial Crabbing license holders who did not harvest between 2004 and 2008 will be designated as inactive until the blue crab population recovers.

Female blue crab daily catch limits will be set by public notice after DNR receives results of the winter dredge survey in April. These bushel limits will be based on a waterman's license type. If results from the 2009 blue crab winter dredge survey indicate a significant improvement in the bay's blue crab population, DNR may consider liberalizing commercial bushel limits and season dates. Likewise, if the survey indicates continued population decrease, further harvest restrictions would be necessary.

The proposed regulations require all recreational crabbers not currently licensed to register for a complimentary license from DNR online or at one of the seven DNR license service centers across the state. Additionally, the prohibition on female blue crab harvest (except soft crabs) for recreational crabbers established in 2008 will remain in place, the release said.

The current abundance of adult or reproductive-age blue crabs is 120 million crabs, only slightly above the established minimum safe threshold of 86 million reproductive-age crabs, is 70 percent lower than 1990 levels and well below the conservation target of 200 million crabs.

The proposed regulations will be published in the Maryland Register on Jan. 16. DNR will hold a public hearing on the proposed regulations at 6 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Queen Anne County Public Library Kent Island Branch's meeting room. Sign language interpreters and other appropriate accommodations for individuals will be provided upon request. Public comments may also be submitted via mail to Sarah Widman, Fisheries Service, B-2, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401, by calling 410-260-8260, by faxing to 410-260-8278, or e-mailing fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us.

Maryland's blue crab season runs from April 1 to Dec. 15. A detailed summary of the proposed regulations is online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/regulations/proposedregulations.html.

Donate winter coats in Lusby for local homeless

Donate coats to help the homeless from Dec. 20 through Dec. 22 in Lusby, and visit Santa Claus at the same time.

On Saturday, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on site to take pictures, accept wish lists and collect gently used coats from members of the community, which will be donated to local shelters before Christmas.

Coat donations are being accepted at the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins of Lusby until Monday, Dec. 22.

The coats are being accepted at the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins in the Lusby Center shopping center.

Learn marine safety from the Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Solomons Flotilla 15-7 will offer a four-session Maryland Basic Boating Class at Maurice J. McDonough High School in Pomfret on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from Feb. 10 to 19, according to a release. Class times are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This course satisfies the requirement that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must have a Certificate of Boating Safety Education to operate a mechanically propelled vessel on Maryland waters.

Students must attend all four sessions and pass a final examination with a grade of 80 percent in order to pass. The course fee of $25 includes the student textbook. Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

This beginner boating class will give participants the knowledge needed to obtain the certificate.

Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the course.

Topics include introduction to boating, boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating, PWC operation, navigation, boating problems; trailering, storing and protecting your boat; hunting and fishing, water-skiing and river boating

To attend, contact Gary Smith at 410-326-8377, or e-mail FSOPE.232@ hotmail.com to register.

Class size is limited.

Museum offers prepaid gift passes

Looking for that perfect, inexpensive gift for your family or friends this holiday season or anytime of the year for that matter? Prepaid gift passes are now available to visit the Calvert Marine Museum or sail aboard the Wm. B. Tennison.

Prepaid passes are available for the regular adult admission of $7, $6 for seniors, and $2 for children ages 5 to 12. Also available are prepaid passes aboard the historic Wm. B. Tennison cruising May to October. Tickets are $7 each for adults and $4 for children ages 5 to 12. All prepaid passes/tickets are sold at the admissions desk in the exhibition building, or they may be ordered with VISA or Mastercard by calling 410-326-2042, Ext. 12 or 21.

The Calvert Marine Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete listing of all museum events and activities, go to www.calvertmarinemuseum.com.