Real Life Regulations
Commercial watermen are subject to regulations from the state agencies in whose waters they fish. Watermen must purchase licenses annually for their equipment. These agencies regulate both commercial and recreational fishing, and stress the conservation and enhancement of marine resources and fisheries for economic and recreational purposes. Commercial watermen are required by law to report their catches to these agencies, and failure to do so can result in license suspension. The on-water regulations are enforced by marine police divisions. Keep in mind that more restrictions means less oppurtunity for the waterman economically (but greater oppurtunity for species to recover).
For VIRGINIA, the Virginia Marine Resources Commision, complete crabbing regulations can be found here
License Fees (2010) for Commercial Crabbing: $190 ($90 for 70+) PLUS Equipment fees:
| For each perston taking crabs by net | $13 |
| For each ordinary trotline | $13 |
| For each patent trotline | $51 |
| For up to 86 crab pots | $48 |
| For 86 to 255 crab pots | $79 |
| For 256 to 425 crap pots | $127 |
| For each crab trap | $8 |
| For each single rigges scrape boat | $26 |
| For each double rigged scrape boat | $43 |
| For up to 20 shedding tanks | $9 |
| For more than 20 shedding tanks | $19 |
A few of the restrictions placed on commercial crabbers:
- -No commercial crabbing on Sundays (except for peeler pots and onshore operations)
- The commercial harvesting of crabs by crab pot or peeler pot shall be from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during April, September, October & November and from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during May, June, July & August. Crab pots or peeler pots already on board a boat at the end of the lawful 8-hour time period may be set during the one hour immediately following the lawful 8-hour time period. [4 VAC 20-270-30].
- The lawful season to harvest female crabs shall be from March 17 through November 20.
- Unlawful to Crab in the designated sanctuary waters:
http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/crab_sanctuary.pdf
For MARYLAND, Fisheries Management of the Department of Natural Resources found here