Code of Maine Rules
13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES
188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL
Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS
Section 188-25-45 - Crab Fishing Limitations

Universal Citation: 13 ME Code Rules ยง 188-25-45

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

1. License Endorsement

It shall be unlawful to harvest crabs by drag from the EEZ unless the harvester holds a Commercial Fishing - Single license with the Dragged Crab Permit endorsement or a Commercial Fishing - Crew license with the Dragged Crab Permit endorsement*. There will be no additional charge for this permit. A lobster and crab fishing license issued pursuant to 12 M.R.S.A. §6421 is not required to obtain this endorsement in accordance with §6421, sub-§4(B).

*DMR License Division telephone (207-624-6550) or for online information select the following link: http://www.maine.gov/dmr/license/index.htm.

2. Limits

A. Possession Limits
(1) For individuals taking dragged crabs as bycatch, it is unlawful to take, possess or land more than 200 pounds (90.7 kg) of crabs per day, not to exceed 500 pounds (226.8 kg) per trip.

(2) For individuals fishing for or taking Jonah crabs recreationally, it is unlawful to fish for, take or possess more than 50 Jonah crabs per person per 24-hour day.

B. Size Limit

It is unlawful to take or possess a Jonah crab measuring less than 4.75 inches across the shell from tip to tip of the posterior-most, longest spines along the lateral margins of the carapace.

C. Prohibitions on Possession
(1) It is unlawful to take or possess any egg-bearing, female Jonah crab.

(2) While on board a vessel, it is unlawful to take or possess any Jonah crab, or part thereof, which is mutilated in a manner which makes accurate measurement impossible, except that a lobter and crab fishing license holder may take and possess a volume of crab claus detached at sea not to exceed five gallons..

D. Closed Seasons
(1) Closed Season Regulation on Fishing for Crabs in Sheepscot River

It shall be unlawful to fish for or take crabs, except green crabs from December l to April 30, both days inclusive, from the waters inside and upstream of the following lines:

(a) From the extreme tip of Phipps Point, Woolwich, to the southern tip of Hubbard's Point in Westport;

(b) From the tip of Kehail Point, Westport, to the most southerly end of Barter's Island in the town of Boothbay;

(c) Along the length of the Barter's Island Bridge and Knickerbocker Bridge, in the town of Boothbay.

(2) Closed Season on Fishing for Crabs in Damariscotta River

It shall be unlawful to fish for or take crabs, except green crabs from December l to April 30, both days inclusive, in the Damariscotta River above a straight line drawn across the River from a point on the shore of Back Narrows on the west side of the River in the Town of Boothbay intersecting the southwestern point of Fort Island and the red nun navigational Buoy #10 to a point on the opposite shore in the Town of South Bristol.

(3) Closed Season on Fishing for Crabs in Medomak River

It is unlawful to fish for or take crabs, except green crabs from December 1 to April 30, both days inclusive, in the Medomak River, from the waters inside and upstream of a line drawn from the southernmost tip of Jones Neck in Waldoboro northwest to the southernmost tip of Hardy Island then true west to Keene Neck in Bremen, including all waters of Broad Cove, Eastern Branch and Western Branch.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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