Atlantic States Fishery Managers Adopt Coast-Wide Jonah Crab Claw Harvesting Rule; Set Bycatch Plan
SEAFOODNEWS.COM by Michael Ramsingh - February 10, 2017
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) adopted a coast-wide standard for Jonah crab claw harvesting and set a bycatch quota for Jonah crabs landed by East Coast fishermen.
American Lobster Management, which operates within the ASMFC, approved Board Addendum II to the Jonah Crab Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This addendum establishes a harvest quota for Jonah crab claws. Fishermen can now detach and harvest claws at sea, with a required minimum claw length of 2.75 inches if the volume of claws landed is greater than five gallons. Claw landings less than five gallons do not have to meet the minimum claw length standard. Fishermen also may harvest whole crabs which meet the 4.75-inch minimum carapace width...
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