Chapter 03. Blue Crabs

Circular container with the following inside dimensions:

Rectangular container with the following inside dimensions:

Having a flat bottom not more than 20 inches by 15 inches, and not more than four articulated sides; and

Designed so that failure to apply manually exerted tension on the closing mechanism allows the crabs to escape.

Consists of:

When baited and lowered to the bottom, lies flat on the bottom; and

When pulled to the surface, forms a deep pocket out of the netting.

20½ inches across the top diameter;

27½ inches height; and

18 inches along the bottom diameter.

Dragged along the bottom for the purpose of catching crabs; and

Retrieved by hand without the aid of any mechanical device during any stage of the retrieval.

22-7/8 inches in length across the top;

14-7/8 inches in width across the top;

21 inches length across the bottom;

13 inches width across the bottom; and

12-3/8 inches height.

For commercial purposes by an individual licensed in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

For recreational purposes by an individual licensed in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter;

Regardless of the number of individuals licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes on a boat; or

If the boat is licensed as a recreational crabbing boat.

12 inches long;

10 inches wide; and

10 inches high.

DNR id number, if recreationally crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries;

Name and address, if recreationally crabbing in the Atlantic Ocean, its coastal bays, or their tidal tributaries; or

Commercial license number.

The waters surrounding Eastern Neck Island from Baybush Point along the south and easterly sides of the island to the bridge crossing Eastern Neck Narrows, except within 300 feet of another bank trap or channel pound; and

The tidal waters of Somerset County except within:

Licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes; or

On a boat licensed as a recreational crabbing boat;

Regardless of the number of individuals licensed to catch crabs for recreational purposes on a boat; or

If the boat is licensed as a recreational crabbing boat.

1-1/2 inches for the purpose of catching hard crabs; or

1 inch for the purpose of catching peeler crabs;

Is firmly attached to each entrance or funnel in the lower chamber;

Is constructed of wire or plastic;

Is rectangular in shape; and

Has dimensions which do not exceed 1-3/4 inches high and 4-3/4 inches long.

If set for commercial purposes, by November 16 of each year; or

If set for recreational purposes, by December 31 of each year.

If the person is:

If using the crab pot in accordance with §§B, C, D, and H of this regulation; and

If crabbing from a property located on the Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries, only if the crab pots have been properly registered with the Department.

Set in front of the person's property, within 100 yards of the shore, and:

Marked with the owner's:

Each pot individually set shall be marked with a buoy that is easily visible on the surface.

Each string of pots shall be marked at each end with a buoy that is easily visible on the surface.

Each buoy shall be clearly marked with the identification number of the licensee in letters at least 2 inches high, and, if the buoy is attached to a string of crab pots, with the number of pots in the string.

The Department may require individual numbered markers supplied by the Department to be attached to every buoy.

A person licensed to catch crabs with more than 50 pots may not set or fish more than 300 pots; and

Regardless of the number of licensees per boat, not more than 300 pots may be set or fished.

Susquehanna Flats. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at Rocky Point defined by Lat. 39° 29.361' N, Long. 75° 59.707' W then running approximately 257° True to a point at or near Locust Point defined by Lat. 39° 28.517' N, Long. 76° 4.372' W.

Spesutie Narrows. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at Bear Point defined by Lat. 39° 26.227' N, Long. 76° 4.913' W then running approximately 263° True to a point at or near Black Point defined by Lat. 39° 26.116' N, Long. 76° 6.143' W.

Romney Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at Taylor Point defined by Lat. 39° 22.762' N, Long. 76° 10.770' W then running approximately 231° True to a point on the south side entrance to Romney Creek defined by Lat. 39° 22.169' N, Long. 76° 11.727' W.

Bush River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at Abbey Point defined by Lat. 39° 20.997' N, Long. 76° 13.688' W then running approximately 242° True to a point at or near Lego Point defined by Lat. 39° 20.286' N, Long. 76° 15.409’ W.

Boone Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at the north side of the mouth of Boone Creek defined by Lat. 39° 19.947' N, Long. 76° 15.953' W then running approximately 202° True to a point on the southwest side of the entrance to Boone Creek defined by Lat. 39° 19.836' N, Long. 76° 16.004' W.

Gunpowder River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at the southwestern tip of Rickett Point defined by Lat. 39° 18.126' N, Long. 76° 17.805' W then running approximately 298° True to the point at the eastern tip of Carroll Island defined by Lat. 39° 18.778' N, Long. 76° 19.372' W then along the shore to the western tip of Carroll Island defined by Lat. 39° 18.817' N, Long. 76° 19.536' W then running 297° True to a point at or near Carroll Point defined by Lat. 39° 18.904' N, Long. 76° 19.758' W then running 208° True to a point at or near Weir Point defined by Lat. 39° 18.306' N, Long. 76° 20.196' W.

Seneca Creek, Middle River, Hawk Cove, and Back River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the shore at Lower Island Point defined by Lat. 39° 18.254' N, Long. 76° 20.389' W then running approximately 197° True to the most northern point of Hart-Miller Island defined by Lat. 39° 15.693' N, Long. 76° 21.388’ W then running along the northwestern shore of Hart-Miller Island to a point on the western side of Hart-Miller Island defined by Lat. 39° 14.547' N, Long. 76° 23.078' W then running approximately 208° True to the northern tip of Pleasure Island defined by Lat. 39° 14.120' N, Long. 76° 23.378' W then running along the southern shore to the southern tip of Pleasure Island defined by Lat. 39° 13.896' N, Long. 76° 23.649' W then running approximately 235° True to the southeastern point of Back River Neck defined by Lat. 39° 13.759' N, Long. 76° 23.897' W.

Shallow Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at the entrance on the north side of Shallow Creek defined by Lat. 39° 12.270' N, Long. 76° 25.959' W then running approximately 235° True to a point at the entrance on the south side of Shallow Creek define by Lat. 39° 12.140' N, Long. 76° 26.180' W.

Patapsco River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near North Point defined by Lat. 39° 11.720' N, Long. 76° 26.557' W then running approximately 227° True to the point at or near Buoy R "6" defined by Lat. 39° 11.152' N, Long. 76° 27.336' W then running approximately 160° True to a point at or near Bodkin Point defined by Lat. 39° 7.937' N, Long. 76° 25.860' W.

Magothy River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Mountain Point defined by Lat. 39° 3.553' N, Long. 76° 25.996' W then running approximately 212° True to a point at or near Persimmon Point defined by Lat. 39° 3.170' N, Long. 76° 26.310' W.

Little Magothy River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning of the west jetty at the entrance to the Little Magothy River defined by Lat. 39° 2.765' N, Long. 76° 25.783' W then running approximately 14° True to tip of the west jetty at the entrance to the Little Magothy River defined by Lat. 39° 2.782' N, Long. 76° 25.778' W then running approximately 97° True to a point on the tip of the east jetty at the entrance to Little Magothy River defined by Lat. 39° 2.782' N, Long. 76° 25.765' W then running approximately 193° True along the east jetty to a point on shore defined by Lat. 39° 2.770' N, Long. 76° 25.769' W.

Podickory Point Marina. All the waters enclosed by a line at the beginning of the north Podickory Point Marina jetty defined by Lat. 39° 1.980' N, Long. 76° 24.239' W then running approximately 45° True to a point at the tip of the north Podickory Point Marina jetty defined by Lat. 39° 2.004' N, Long. 76° 24.214' W then running approximately 191° True to a point at the tip of the south Podickory Point Marina jetty defined by Lat. 39° 1.969' N, Long. 76° 24.223' W then running approximately 220° True along the jetty to a point at the shore defined by Lat. 39° 1.906' N, Long. 76° 24.294' W.

Sandy Point Boat Exclusion Zone. All the waters enclosed by a line at the beginning of the northernmost jetty at Sandy Point defined by Lat. 39° 1.089' N, Long. 76° 23.816' W then running approximately 71° True to a point at the tip of the northernmost jetty at Sandy Point defined by Lat. 39° 1.114' N, Long. 76° 23.739' W then running approximately 155° True to a point offshore of Sandy Point defined by Lat. 39° 0.655' N, Long. 76° 23.458' W then running approximately 243° True to the Mezick Pond Jetty south of Sandy Point defined by Lat. 39° 0.390' N, Long. 76° 24.108' W then running approximately 330° True along the jetty to the point along the shore defined by Lat. 39° 0.464' N, Long. 76° 24.158' W.

Elk River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the east side of Turkey Point defined by Lat. 39° 26.997' N, Long. 76° 0.184' W then running approximately 121° True towards the entrance to Pearce Creek defined by Lat. 39° 26.337' N, Long. 75° 58.792' W.

Pond Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point north of the entrance to Pond Creek defined by Lat. 39° 24.903' N, Long. 76° 0.340' W then running approximately 235° True to a point south of the entrance to Pond Creek defined by Lat. 39° 24.766' N, Long. 76° 0.597' W.

Sassafras River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Grove Point defined by Lat. 39° 23.204' N, Long. 76° 2.238' W then running approximately 255° True to a point at or near Howell Point defined by Lat. 39° 22.320' N, Long. 76° 6.373' W.

Still Pond. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Meeks Point defined by Lat. 39° 20.717' N, Long. 76° 8.2082' W then running approximately 211° True to a point at or near Rocky Point defined by Lat. 39° 20.070' N, Long. 76° 8.731' W.

Worton Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Worton Creek defined by Lat. 39° 18.058' N, Long. 76° 10.713' W then running approximately 199° True to a point at or near Handy Point defined by Lat. 39° 17.420' N, Long. 76° 10.993' W.

Fairlee Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Fairlee Creek defined by Lat. 39° 16.280' N, Long. 76° 12.122' W then running approximately 256° True to a point on the western side of the entrance to Fairlee Creek defined by Lat. 39° 16.183' N, Lon. 76° 12.677' W.

Rock Hall Harbor/Swan Creek/Tavern Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Swan Point defined by Lat. 39° 8.778' N, Long. 76° 16.523' W then running approximately 140° True to a point at a known sunken island defined by Lat. 39° 7.240' N, Long. 76° 14.870' W then running approximately 170° True to a point at or near the northern tip of Huntingfield Point defined by Lat. 39° 7.118' N, Long. 76° 14.842' W.

Chester River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Wilson Point defined by Lat. 39° 03.193' N, Long. 76° 13.635' W then running approximately 227° True to a point at or near Love Point defined by Lat. 39° 2.693' N, Long. 76° 14.27' W then running approximately 265° True to a point at or near the Eastern Neck Island rock jetty defined by Lat. 39° 2.392' N, Long. 76° 18.156' W.

Mezick Pond. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point east of the entrance to Mezick Pond defined by Lat. 39° 0.464' N, Long. 76° 24.158' W then running approximately 275° True to a point west of the entrance to Mezick Pond defined by Lat. 39° 0.468' N, Long. 76° 24.238' W.

Whitehall Bay. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Hackett Point defined by Lat. 38° 59.223' N, Long. 76° 25.600' W then running approximately 241° True to the point at or near Greenbury Point defined by Lat. 38° 58.483' N, Long. 76° 27.295' W.

Severn River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Greenbury Point defined by Lat. 38° 58.483' N, Long. 76° 27.295' W then running approximately 174° True to the point at or near Tolly Point defined by Lat. 38° 56.490' N, Long. 76° 27.025' W.

Blackwalnut Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Blackwalnut Creek defined by Lat. 38° 55.842' N, Long. 76° 27.774' W then running approximately 207° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Blackwalnut Creek defined by Lat. 38° 55.827' N, Long. 76° 27.784' W.

Oyster Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Oyster Creek defined by Lat. 38° 55.644' N, Long. 76° 27.796' W then running approximately 133° True to a point on the jetty south of the entrance to Oyster Creek defined by Lat. 38° 55.626' N, Long. 76° 27.772' W.

Fishing Creek (South River). All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Fishing Creek defined by Lat. 38° 54.898' N, Long. 76° 27.557' W then running approximately 186° True to a point at or near Thomas Point defined by Lat. 38° 54.448' N, Long. 76° 27.622' W.

South River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Thomas Point defined by Lat. 38° 54.448' N, Long. 76° 27.622' W then running approximately 227° True to a point at or near Saunders Point defined by Lat. 38° 53.100' N, Long. 76° 29.444' W.

Rhode and West Rivers. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Dutchman Point defined by Lat. 38° 52.183' N, Long. 76° 30.570' W then running approximately 152° True to a point at or near Curtis Point defined by Lat. 38° 51.184' N, Long. 76° 29.891' W.

Jack Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Jack Creek defined by Lat. 38° 50.791' N, Long. 76° 29.650' W then running approximately 163° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Jack Creek defined by Lat. 38° 50.636' N, Long. 76° 29.588' W.

Flag Pond Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Flag Pond Creek defined by Lat. 38° 48.646' N, Long. 76° 30.320' W then running approximately 200° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Flag Pond Creek defined by Lat. 38° 48.499' N, Long. 76° 30.388' W.

Deep Creek and Deep Cove Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Deep Creek/Deep Cove Creek defined by Lat. 38° 48.341' N, Long. 76° 30.543' W then running approximately 186° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Deep Creek/Deep Cove Creek defined by Lat. 38° 48.280' N, Long. 76° 30.551' W.

Broadwater Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point north of the entrance to Broadwater Creek at Franklin Manor Beach defined by Lat. 38° 48.060' N, Long. 76° 30.617' W then running approximately 225° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Broadwater Creek defined by Lat. 38° 47.264' N, Long. 76° 31.618' W.

Carrs Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Carrs Creek defined by Lat. 38° 47.264' N, Long. 76° 31.618' W then running approximately 196° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Carrs Creek defined by Lat. 38° 47.198' N, Long. 76° 31.649' W.

Herring Bay. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Parkers Creek defined by Lat. 38° 46.691' N, Long. 76° 32.220' W then running approximately 172° True to the point at or near Holland Point defined by Lat. 38° 43.661' N, Long. 76° 31.664' W.

Fishing Creek (Chesapeake Beach). All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on shore at the beginning of the rock jetty defined by Lat. 38° 41.534' N, Long. 76° 31.960' W then running approximately 96° True to a point at the tip of the rock jetty on the north side of the entrance to Fishing Creek defined by Lat. 38° 41.518' N, Long. 76° 31.770' W then running approximately 186° True to a point at the tip of the rock jetty on the south side of the entrance to Fishing Creek defined by Lat. 38° 41.448' N, Long. 76° 31.779' W then running approximately 251° True along the rock jetty to a point on shore at the beginning of the rock jetty defined by Lat. 38° 41.399' N, Long. 76° 31.960' W.

Naval Research Lab Prohibited Area near Randle Cliff Beach (via CFR § 334.170 Area A). All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point on the shore defined by Lat. 38° 39.917' N, Long. 76° 31.782' W then running approximately 90° True to a point at defined by Lat. 38° 39.918' N, Long. 76° 31.050' W then running approximately 180° True to a point at defined by Lat. 38° 39.150' N, Long. 76° 31.050' W then running approximately 270° True to a point on the shore defined by Lat. 38° 39.150' N, Long. 76° 31.620' W.

Plum Point Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on shore at the beginning of the north jetty defined by Lat. 38° 36.9425' N, Long. 76° 30.729' W then running approximately 87° True to the tip of the jetty at the north side of the entrance to Plum Point Creek defined by Lat. 38° 36.944' N, Long. 76° 30.669' W then running approximately 176° True to the tip of the jetty at the south side of the entrance to Plum Point Creek defined by Lat. 38° 36.925' N, Long. 76° 30.667' W then running approximately 263° True to the point along the shore at the beginning of the south jetty defined by Lat. 38° 36.922' N, Long. 76° 30.697' W.

Parkers Creek (near Port Republic). All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Parkers Creek defined by Lat. 38° 32.243' N, Long. 76° 31.086' W then running approximately 169° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Parkers Creek defined by Lat. 38° 32.215' N, Long. 76° 31.080' W.

Long Beach. All the waters enclosed by a line running from a point on shore at the beginning of the north jetty defined by Lat. 38° 27.894' N, Long. 76° 28.255' W then running approximately 45° True to a point at the tip of the rock jetty on the north side of the entrance to Long Beach defined by Lat. 38° 27.945' N, Long. 76° 28.192' W then running approximately 171° True to a point at the tip of the rock jetty on the south side of the entrance to Long Beach defined by Lat. 38° 27.916' N, Long. 76° 28.187' W then running approximately 223° True along the south jetty to the point on shore defined by Lat. 38° 27.847' N, Long. 76° 28.268' W.

Calvert Cliffs (via Security Zone 165.505). All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point along the shore north of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant defined by Lat. 38° 26.233' N, Long. 76° 26.550' W then running approximately 28° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 26.350' N, Long. 76° 26.467' W then running approximately 131° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 26.167' N, Long. 76° 26.200' W then running approximately 227° True to a point on the shore south of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant defined by Lat. 38° 26.089' N, Long. 76° 26.310' W.

Cove Point Liquified Natural Gas Terminal (via Safety Zone 165.502). All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point defined by Lat. 38° 24.450' N, Long. 76° 23.700' W then running approximately 55° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 24.734' N, Long. 76° 23.184' W then running approximately 145° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 23.917' N, Long. 76° 22.450' W then running approximately 234° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 23.617' N, Long. 76° 22.967' W then running approximately 325° True to a point of beginning.

Patuxent River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Drum Point defined by Lat. 38° 19.138' N, Long. 76° 25.295' W then running approximately 120° True to a point at or near Hog Point defined by Lat. 38° 18.555' N, Long. 76° 24.028' W.

Goose Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Goose Creek defined by Lat. 38° 17.508' N, Long. 76° 22.758' W then running approximately 221° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Goose Creek defined by Lat. 38° 17.494' N, Long. 76° 22.775' W.

St. Jerome Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near St. Jerome Point defined by Lat. 38° 7.213' N, Long. 76° 20.301' W then running approximately 265° True to a point at or near Deep Point defined by Lat. 38° 7.201' N, Long. 76° 20.486' W.

Deep Creek and Long Neck Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Deep Creek/Long Neck Creek defined by Lat. 38° 5.221' N, Long. 76° 19.860' W then running approximately 175° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Deep Creek/Long Neck Creek defined by Lat. 38° 5.195' N, Long. 76° 19.858' W.

Potomac River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Point Lookout defined by Lat. 38° 2.275' N, Long. 76° 19.326' W then running approximately 155° True to a point at or near the tip of the north Smith Point jetty defined by Lat. 37° 53.418' N, Long. 76° 14.177' W then running approximately 147° True to a point at or near the tip of the south Smith Point jetty defined by Lat. 37° 53.381' N, Long. 76° 14.146' W then running approximately 240° True along the jetty to a point on shore at the beginning of the jetty defined by Lat. 37° 53.331' N, Long. 76° 14.252' W then southerly along the shore to the Maryland/Virginia State Line defined by Lat. 37° 53.159' N, Long. 76° 14.247' W, except as provided in §G(6)(b) of this regulation.

Exceptions.

Bay Bridge Marina. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to the Bay Bridge Marina defined by Lat. 38° 58.809' N, Long. 76° 20.097' W then running approximately 223° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to the Bay Bridge Marina defined by Lat. 38° 58.785' N, Long. 76° 20.127' W.

Broad Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Broad Creek defined by Lat. 38° 58.645' N, Long. 76° 20.164' W then running approximately 230° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Broad Creek defined by Lat. 38° 58.476' N, Long. 76° 20.424' W.

Matapeake. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Matapeake defined by Lat. 38° 57.389' N, Long. 76° 21.427' W then running approximately 201° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Matapeake defined by Lat. 38° 57.371' N, Long. 76° 21.436' W.

Kentmorr. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Kentmorr Marina defined by Lat. 38° 54.906' N, Long. 76° 21.970' W then running approximately 173° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Kentmorr Marina defined by Lat. 38° 54.886' N, Long. 76° 21.968' W.

Price Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Price Creek defined by Lat. 38° 53.909' N, Long. 76° 21.955' W then running approximately 195° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Price Creek defined by Lat. 38° 53.892' N, Long. 76° 21.958' W.

Tolson Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Tolson Creek defined by Lat. 38° 53.111' N, Long. 76° 21.854' W then running approximately 164° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Tolson Creek defined by Lat. 38° 53.024' N, Long. 76° 21.819' W.

Carter Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Carter Creek defined by Lat. 38° 52.719' N, Long. 76° 21.854' W then running approximately 190° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Tolson Creek defined by Lat. 38° 52.650' N, Long. 76° 21.869' W.

Eastern Bay. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Kent Point defined by Lat. 38° 50.188' N, Long. 76° 22.125' W then running approximately 148° True to a point on the eastern side of Harbor Cove defined by Lat. 38° 46.735' N, Long. 76° 19.395' W.

Knapps Narrows. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the north side of the entrance to Front Creek defined by Lat. 38° 43.976' N, Long. 76° 20.417' W then running approximately 175° True to a point at or near Amy’s Marsh Point defined by Lat. 38° 43.783' N, Long. 76° 20.387' W then running approximately 181° True to a point at the northwestern tip of Tilghman Island defined by Lat. 38° 43.234' N, Long. 76° 20.398' W.

Upper Honga River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Ferry Point defined by Lat. 38° 17.968' N, Long. 76° 12.445' W then running approximately 155° True to a point at or near the northern tip of Middle Hooper Island defined by Lat. 38° 17.626' N, Long. 76° 12.238' W.

Richland, Cow, and Thorofare Coves. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point at or near Richland Point defined by Lat. 38° 14.876' N, Long. 76° 10.307' W then running approximately 134° True to a point at or near Cow Point defined by Lat. 38° 14.575' N, Long. 76° 9.914' W then running approximately 124° True to a point at or near Eel Hope Point defined by Lat. 38° 14.107' N, Long. 76° 9.047' W then running approximately 121° True to the point at or near Fishing Point defined by Lat. 38° 14.078' N, Long. 76° 08.976' W.

Lower Honga River and Hooper Strait. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Billy’s Point defined by Lat. 38° 14.472' N, Long. 76° 7.569' W then running approximately 120° True to a point at or near the Honga River Light Fl. 4 § 16 ft. 4M defined by Lat. 38° 13.993' N, Long. 76° 6.533' W then running approximately 159° True to a point at or near nun Buoy N "2" defined by Lat. 38° 13.240' N, Long. 76° 6.179' W then running approximately 163° True to a point at or near the Navy-maintained tower defined by Lat. 38° 11.690' N, Long. 76° 5.583' W then running approximately 120° True to a point at or near the western tip of Bloodsworth Island at the entrance to Okahanikan Cove defined by Lat. 38° 11.518' N, Long. 76° 5.195' W.

Pone Cove. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point on the north side of the entrance to Pone Cove defined by Lat. 38° 10.496' N, Long. 76° 4.881' W then running approximately 235° True to a point on the south side of the entrance to Pone Cove defined by Lat. 38° 10.411' N, Long. 76° 05.013' W.

Pone, Bloodsworth, Adam, Holland, and South Marsh Islands. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the south end of Pone Island defined by Lat. 38° 9.407' N, Long. 76° 5.083' W then running approximately 215° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 9.136' N, Long. 76° 5.316' W then running approximately 218° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 9.097' N, Long. 76° 5.354' W then running southerly along the shore to a point defined by Lat. 38° 9.050' N, Long. 76° 5.376' W then running approximately 216° True to a point defined by Lat. 38° 9.005' N, Long. 76° 5.425' W then running southerly along the shore to a point defined by Lat. 38° 8.986' N, Long. 76° 5.341' W then running approximately 153° True to a point at or near the northern tip of Adam Island defined by Lat. 38° 8.858' N, Long. 76° 5.341' W then southerly along the shore to a point at or near the south end of Adam Island defined by Lat. 38° 8.321' N, Long. 76° 5.149' W then running approximately 182° True to a point at or near the north end of Holland Island defined by Lat. 38° 7.453' N, Long. 76° 5.180' W then southerly along the shore to a point at or near the south end of Holland Island defined by Lat. 38° 6.927' N, Long. 76° 5.378' W then running approximately 131° True to a point at or near where the Dorchester County-Somerset County line meets a line running from the south end of Holland Island to a point at or near Sedgy Point on South Marsh Island defined by Lat. 38° 5.781' N, Long. 76° 3.724' W.

Holland Strait and Northern end of Tangier Sound (Malkus Line). All the waters north of a line beginning at a point at or near where the Dorchester County-Somerset County line meets a line running from the south end of Holland Island to Sedgy Point on South Marsh Island defined by Lat. 38° 5.781' N, Long. 76° 3.724' W then running approximately 21° True to a point at or near Johnson Point defined by Lat. 38° 6.665' N, Long. 76° 3.297' W then running approximately 28° True along the Dorchester County-Somerset County line to a point defined by Lat. 38° 7.508' N, Long. 76° 2.725' W then running approximately 27° True to a point at or near Lower Island Point defined by Lat. 38° 8.845' N, Long. 76° 1.873' W then running approximately 63° True following the Dorchester County-Somerset County line to its junction with county line buoy A defined by Lat. 38° 9.792' N, Long. 75° 59.517' W then running approximately 6° True toward Sharkfin Shoal Light to its junction with a straight line running from range marker AA northeasterly to range marker BB and the Dorchester County-Somerset County line defined by Lat. 38° 11.167' N, Long. 75° 59.338' W then running approximately 50° True to a point where the Dorchester County-Somerset County line meets a line running from point at or near the shore immediately adjacent to the Thomas Tigner house near Haines Point to the southwesterly most point of land on Clay Island defined by Lat. 38° 12.339' N, Long. 75° 57.552' W then running approximately 164° True to a point at or near the shore immediately adjacent to the Thomas Tignor house near Haines Point defined by Lat. 38° 10.771' N, Long. 75° 56.979' W.

Manokin River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Pin Point defined by Lat. 38° 6.761' N, Long. 75° 56.568' W then running approximately 130° True to a point on the western side of the small island off of Pin Point defined by Lat. 38° 6.728' N, Long. 75° 56.517' W then running southeasterly along the shore to a point on the southeastern side of the small island off of Pin Point defined by Lat. 38° 6.717' N, Long. 75° 56.492' W then running approximately 126° True to a point offshore of Hazard Point defined by Lat. 38° 4.595' N, Long. 75° 52.736' W then running approximately 57° True to a point at or near Hazard Point defined by Lat. 38° 4.643' N, Long. 75° 52.649' W.

Hazard Cove. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point at or near Hazard Point defined by Lat. 38° 4.643' N, Long. 75° 52.649' W then running approximately 234° True to a point offshore of Hazard Point then running approximately 164° True to a point on the most westerly point of marsh on Pat Island defined by Lat. 38° 3.665' N, Long. 75° 52.403' W.

Big Annemessex River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the most westerly point of marsh on Pat Island defined by Lat. 38° 3.665' N, Long. 75° 52.403' W then running approximately 156° True to a point at the east entrance of Thru Creek on Lawson’s Marsh defined by Lat. 38° 2.291' N, Long. 75° 51.607' W.

Little Annemessex River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Janes Island Point defined by Lat. 37° 58.474' N, Long. 75° 53.875' W then running approximately 162° True to a point at or near Great Point defined by Lat. 37° 57.165' N, Long. 75° 53.344' W.

Cedar Island Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the north entrance of Cedar Island Creek defined by Lat. 37° 55.388' N, Long. 75° 53.754' W then running approximately 155° True to a point on the south entrance of Cedar Island Creek defined by Lat. 37° 55.045' N, Long. 75° 53.526' W.

Fishing Creek/Crooked Creek/Crooked Gut Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Watkins Point defined by Lat. 37° 54.739' N, Long. 75° 52.941' W then running approximately 69° True to a point on the western entrance of Crooked Creek defined by Lat. 37° 55.126' N, Long.75° 51.693' W then running approximately 53° True to a point at or near an island at the mouth of Crooked Creek defined by Lat. 37° 55.184' N, Long. 75° 51.606' W then running approximately 45° True to a point at or near Westward Point defined by Lat. 37° 55.378' N, Long. 75° 51.363' W.

Broad Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Westward Point defined by Lat. 37° 55.378' N, Long. 75° 51.363' then running approximately 77° True to a point at or near Eastward Point defined by Lat. 37° 55.459' N, Long. 75° 50.921' W.

Broad Creek Gut. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Eastward Point defined by Lat. 37° 55.459' N, Long. 75° 50.921' W then running approximately 64° True to a point on the eastern entrance to Broad Creek Gut defined by Lat. 37° 55.658' N, Long. 75° 50.412' W.

Cow Gap Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the eastern entrance to Broad Creek Gut defined by Lat. 37° 55.658' N, Long. 75° 50.412' W then running approximately 57° True to a point at or near Oystershell Point defined by Lat. 37° 55.868' N, Long. 75° 50.008' W.

Massey Creek/Little Ware Point Creek. All the waters upstream of line beginning at a point at or near Oystershell Point defined by Lat. 37° 55.868' N, Long. 75° 50.008' W then running approximately 51° True to a point at or near Ware Point defined by Lat. 37° 56.348' N, Long. 75° 49.264' W.

Ware Point Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Ware Point defined by Lat. 37° 56.348' N, Long. 75° 49.264' W then running approximately 40° True to a point on the eastern entrance to Ware Point Creek defined by Lat. 37° 56.475' N, Long. 75° 49.136' W.

Unnamed Creek. All the waters enclosed by a line beginning at a point at or north of the eastern entrance to Ware Point Creek defined by Lat. 37° 56.546' N, Long. 75° 49.125' W then running approximately 355° True to a point at or near Long Point defined by Lat. 37° 56.759' N, Long. 75° 49.147' W.

Ape Hole Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near Long Point defined by Lat. 37° 56.759' N, Long. 75° 49.147' W then running approximately 50° True to a point at or near Gap Point defined by Lat. 37° 57.353' N, Long. 75° 48.246' W.

Gunby Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at the western entrance to Gunby Creek defined by Lat. 37° 58.364' N, Long. 75° 46.864' W then running approximately 92° True to a point at the eastern entrance to Gunby Creek defined by Lat. 37° 58.354' N, Long. 75° 46.404' W.

East Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near East Creek Point defined by Lat. 37° 58.234' N, Long. 75° 44.764' W then running approximately 95° True to a point on the western shore of Richardson Marsh defined by Lat. 37° 58.204' N, Long. 75° 44.328' W.

Marumsco Creek. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on shore at the western entrance of Marumsco Creek defined by Lat. 37° 58.635' N, Long. 75° 43.351' W then running approximately 89° True to a point on shore at the eastern entrance of Marumsco Creek defined by Lat. 37° 58.638' N, Long. 75° 42.785' W.

Fair Island Canal. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at a point on the northern entrance to Cliftons Creek defined by Lat. 37° 57.752' N, Long. 75° 39.990' W then running approximately 164° True to a point at the extension of the southwestern entrance of Fair Island Canal defined by Lat. 37° 57.572' N, Long. 75° 39.922' W then running approximately 71° True to a point at the southwest entrance to the canal defined by Lat. 37° 57.641' N, Long. 75° 39.686' W.

Pocomoke River. All the waters upstream of a line beginning at the northeasterly point on Fair Island on southside of Fair Island Canal defined by Lat. 37° 57.757' N, Long. 75° 39.351' W then running approximately 76° True to a point at the intersection of the Maryland/Virginia border and a line running from the northeasterly point on Fair Island on southside of Fair Island Canal to Bullbegger Point defined by Lat. 37° 57.837' N, Long. 75° 38.914' W.

Smith Island. All of the waters of Smith Island, Chesapeake Bay, Kedges Straits, and Tangier Sound upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the intersection of the Maryland/Virginia state line and the eastern (Tangier Sound) shoreline of Smith Island defined by Lat. 37° 57.205' N, Long. 75° 59.750' W then running along the Maryland/Virginia state line to a point at or near the intersection of the Maryland/Virginia state line and the western (Chesapeake Bay) shoreline of Smith Island defined by Lat. 37° 57.211' N, Long. 76° 2.643' W then northerly along the west shore of Smith Island to a point at or near the south side of Sheep Pen Gut at the beginning of the jetty defined by Lat. 37° 58.692' N, Long. 76° 2.754' W then running northwesterly along the jetty to a point at or near the tip of the south jetty at Sheep Pen Gut defined by Lat. 37° 58.774' N, Long. 76° 2.947' W then running approximately 26° True to the tip of the north jetty at Sheep Pen Gut defined by Lat. 37° 58.798' N, Long. 76° 2.932' W then running approximately 79° True along the jetty to a point along the west shore of Smith Island defined by Lat. 37° 58.815' N, Long. 76° 2.825' W then northerly along the shore to a point at or near Chaisey Point at the beginning of the south Big Thorofare/Goose Harbor jetty defined by Lat. 37° 59.791' N, Long. 76° 2.909' W then running approximately 296° True to a point at or near the tip of the south Big Thorofare/Goose Harbor jetty defined by Lat. 37° 59.924' N, Long. 76° 3.279' W then running approximately 0° True to a point at or near the tip of the north Big Thorofare/Goose Harbor jetty defined by Lat. 38° 0.074' N, Long. 76° 3.281' W then running approximately 36° True to a point at or near Channel Point north of Channel Island Gut defined by Lat. 38° 0.624' N, Long. 76° 2.794' W then running northerly along the west shore of Smith Island to a point at or near the tip of the south entrance to Lightning Knot Cove defined by Lat. 38° 1.083' N, Long. 76° 2.818' W then running approximately 0° True to a point at or near the tip of the north entrance to Lightning Knot Cove defined by Lat. 38° 1.156' N, Long. 76° 2.822' W then running northerly along the shore to a point at or near Fog Point defined by Lat. 38° 1.931' N, Long. 76° 2.394' then running easterly along the shore to a point at the western entrance to Fog Point Cove Creek defined by Lat. 38° 2.012' N, Long. 76° 1.859' W then running approximately 67° True to a point at or near the eastern shore at the entrance to Fog Point Creek defined by Lat. 38° 2.047' N, Long. 76° 1.761' W then running northeasterly along the shore to the western side of Bridge Creek at or near Bards Point defined by Lat. 38° 2.151' N, Long. 76° 1.651' W then running approximately 85° True to a point at or near the east shore of Bridge Creek defined by Lat. 38° 2.164' N, Long. 76° 1.432' W then running easterly along the shore to a point at or near Fishing Point on the northwestern side of Back Cove defined by Lat. 38° 2.212' N, Long. 76° 0.461' W then running approximately 136° True to a point on the southwestern side of Back Cove defined by Lat. 38° 1.435' N, Long. 75° 59.507' W then running approximately 100° True to a point north of Terrapin Sand Cove defined by Lat. 38° 1.387' N, Long. 75° 59.164' W then running approximately 118° True to a point at the former location of Terrapin Sands Point defined by Lat. 38° 0.950' N, Long. 75° 58.150' W then running approximately 197° True to a point at or near on the north side of the channel at Big Thorofare defined by Lat. 37° 58.129' N, Long. 75° 59.271' W then running approximately 187° True to a point at or near the south side of Big Thorofare defined by Lat. 37° 57.619' N, Long. 75° 59.353' W then running approximately 214° True to a point along the shore defined by Lat. 37° 57.281' N, Long. 75° 59.646' W then southerly along the shore to the point of beginning defined by Lat. 37° 57.205' N, Long. 75° 59.750' W.

Exception. Crab pots may be set from April 1st to June 15th, outside of marked channels in Tyler Creek, in the area upstream of a line beginning at a point at or near the intersection of the Maryland/Virginia state line and the west side of Tyler Creek defined by Lat. 37° 57.209' N, Long. 76° 1.061' W then running northerly along the western shore of Tyler Creek past Parks Ditch and Rhodes Point Gut to a point at or near the southside of the Canal defined by Lat. 37° 59.082' N, Long. 76° 1.272' W then running approximately 3° True to a point at or near the north side of The Canal defined by Lat. 37° 59.189' N, Long. 76° 1.266' W then running along the western shore of Tyler Creek to a point defined by Lat. 37° 59.554' N, Long. 76° 1.412' W then running approximately 114° True to a point at or near Easter Point defined by Lat. 37° 59.353' N, Long. 76° 0.846' W then running southerly along the east shore of Tyler Creek to a point at or near the intersection of the Maryland/Virginia state line and the east side of Tyler Creek defined by Lat. 37° 57.208' N, Long. 76° 0.342' W then running along Maryland/Virginia state line to the point of beginning.

Trotline;

Collapsible traps or net rings;

Up to ten eel pots for catching the individual's own bait, which are:

Seines.

For a Maryland resident — $5;

For a Maryland resident, in possession of a Maryland Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or a resident consolidated senior sport fishing license — $2;

For a nonresident — $10.

Engaged in crabbing for recreational purposes with the gear listed under §A(1) of this regulation; or

In possession of more crabs than provided for in the daily catch limits set forth in Regulation .10A(2)(a), A(3)(a) and (b), and A(4)(a) of this chapter and not on a boat that has been licensed as a recreational crab boat.

Trotline; and

Collapsible traps or net rings.

A recreational crabbing boat decal; and

A complimentary recreational crabbing license.

Shall be permanently affixed and displayed on either side of the forward half of the vessel for which issued;

Is not transferable; and

Shall, when displayed, exempt all persons aboard from the requirement of possessing an individual license to crab recreationally.

The individual who purchased the crabbing boat decal is present on the vessel;

The individual who purchased the crabbing boat decal is in possession of the proof of purchase issued by the Department; and

The crabbing boat decal was purchased within the previous 10 calendar days.

Recreational crabbing boat license; or

Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing boat license in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-745(d)(2), Annotated Code of Maryland.

A dipnet;

A handline; or

Up to two crab pots, if qualified to use crab pots as set forth in Regulation .07D of this chapter;

50 cents for each recreational crabbing license issued by the agent; and

$1.50 for each recreational crabbing boat license issued by the agent.

Female crabs are accompanied by a bill of sale; and

Individual is not catching or attempting to catch crabs.

Trotlines:

Crab Scrapes:

Crab pots, bank traps, channel pounds, collapsible traps, net rings, handlines, dip nets, and pound nets:

Except as provided in §A(3)(c) of this regulation, between 1 hour before sunrise to 9 hours after sunrise during the period May through September;

Between sunrise and 10 hours after sunrise during April and October; and

Between 2 hours before sunrise to 9 hours after sunrise on Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, July 4, Labor Day, and the day immediately preceding each of those holidays.

During the time periods established in §A(1)(c) of this regulation; or

If already onboard a boat at the end of the time periods established in §A(1)(c) of this regulation, for 1 hour after the end of the time periods established in §A(1)(c) of this regulation.

May through September between:

April, October, November, and December between:

Crab pots on private property that have been registered in accordance with Regulation .09 of this chapter;

Dip nets; or

Handlines.

1 bushel per individual if storing crabs in a bushel;

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

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

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

May catch crabs for recreational purposes with recreational crabbing gear without paying the fee for recreational crabbing set forth in Regulation .09 of this chapter; and

Has the same restrictions as an individual with a recreational crabbing license when engaged in recreational crabbing activities.

Declares intent under §C of this regulation;

Is granted an alternate day off under §D of this regulation;

Is operating as a licensee's authorized user on the vessel designated in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland; or

Is assisting as an unlicensed crew member on another licensee's vessel.

A State or federal holiday falls on the Sunday or Monday, or the immediately preceding Saturday; or

The Sunday or Monday precedes a State or federal holiday that falls on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of the particular week.

Six mature female hard crabs per container smaller than a barrel of male crabs; or

13 mature female hard crabs per barrel of male crabs.

Limited crab harvester active license; or

Limited crab harvester male only license.

The individual is not engaged in harvesting crabs in Maryland waters while the crabs harvested in the waters of the Potomac River or Virginia are on board the vessel; and

The individual is in possession of a Virginia commercial crab harvester license or Potomac River Fisheries Commission commercial license.

Imposition of substantial hardship on the licensee's exercise of religion by observing one of the closed days specified in §B(1) of this regulation; and

Absence of substantial hardship on the licensee's exercise of religion by observing the alternate closed day requested in the application.

Measure less than 5 inches across the shell from tip to tip of the spike;

Do not comply with the tolerance limits of the jurisdiction of origin;

Are not accompanied by a bill of sale or bill of lading from the jurisdiction of origin; and

Were not caught in full compliance with the laws of the jurisdiction of origin;

Less than 3-1/4 inches across the shell from tip to tip of the spike during the period from April 1 through July 14; and

Less than 3-1/2 inches across the shell from tip to tip of the spike during the period from July 15 through December 15;

A limited crab harvester (LCC) authorization of a tidal fish license that has no reported crab harvest between January 1, 2004 and December 15, 2008 on reports submitted to the Department by January 30, 2009, shall be determined to be a latent effort limited crab harvester license, except for those licenses specified in §F(1)(b) of this regulation.

Exceptions to Latent Effort Designation. The following are exceptions to the latent effort designation:

An individual with a license that has been determined to be a latent effort license as described in §F(1) of this regulation is required to have declared their LCC license as a limited crab harvester — male only as described in §F(2)(b) of this regulation.

An individual with a limited crab harvester license — male only status:

The latent effort license status may not be modified after declaration even if the license has been transferred to a new owner.

Conditions for using an LCC male only authorization as one of the required authorizations to upgrade to an unlimited tidal fish authorization are described in COMAR 08.02.01.05I.

Notwithstanding Natural Resources Article, §4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland, any LCC which was previously frozen due to latent license status as described in §F(1) of this regulation will not be required to pay the authorization fee for the 2012 commercial crabbing season.

Prior to operating a crabbing charter, a fishing guide shall obtain a crabbing charter decal.

Except as provided in §D(2)(c) of this regulation, a decal issued for a crabbing charter:

Exemption for Crabbing Charter Decals. If the crabbing charter decal is not permanently affixed to the vessel, all persons aboard are exempt from the requirement of possessing an individual license to crab recreationally only if:

May only be offered by an individual licensed as a fishing guide or a master fishing guide, or who operates a vessel for a master fishing guide in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §4-701, Annotated Code of Maryland;

Shall have at least one customer on board;

May not harvest female hard crabs or female peelers from the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries; and

Shall comply with the recreational season, times, size limits, and gear restrictions established in this chapter for a licensed recreational crabber.

Male hard crabs and two dozen soft crabs or male peeler crabs from the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries; or

Crabs from the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal bays.