Maryland imposes statewide ban on harvest of river herring

[Spot77]

So this really doesn't have a huge impact on us?

We can still use fresh and frozen bait; it just has to come from outside of the state? And it can still be bought and sold in state?


So it might just raise the price of it.....just like everything else when government gets involved.

[reds]

Originally Posted by Spot77

So this really doesn't have a huge impact on us?

We can still use fresh and frozen bait; it just has to come from outside of the state? And it can still be bought and sold in state?


So it might just raise the price of it.....just like everything else when government gets involved.

If I remember right, the ban is because of a federal mandated quota or large reduction.

When it was first brought up by DNR, they were pleased that they didn't have to submit a plan to the feds for a reduced quota. Why? Because they would have had to do a study and they didn't have the time or the personnel to do one.

When no objection on a ban was presented from the commercial sector, DNR was pleased as punch.

[5th Tuition]

Reds; I can use your input here. How does this work? If you have a pound net, when you empty it, do the commercial guys just throw back the river herring?
5th (Marty)

[reds]

Originally Posted by 5th Tuition

Reds; I can use your input here. How does this work? If you have a pound net, when you empty it, do the commercial guys just throw back the river herring?
5th (Marty)

Yes, they have to. There is no lee way for accidental bi-catch. Zero tolerance in the regs.

[Spot77]

Originally Posted by reds

Yes, they have to. There is no lee way for accidental bi-catch. Zero tolerance in the regs.

Hopefully DNR uses a little discretion.....I mean what if 1 or 2 5" Herring get lumped in with the rest of the catch?

How severe are the fines and penalties?

[reds]

Originally Posted by Spot77

Hopefully DNR uses a little discretion.....I mean what if 1 or 2 5" Herring get lumped in with the rest of the catch?

How severe are the fines and penalties?

It's complicated because of the new point tier system. Taking of an endangered species carries an immediate 90 day suspension of license according to Comar.

[Spot77]

Originally Posted by reds

If I remember right, the ban is because of a federal mandated quota or large reduction.

When it was first brought up by DNR, they were pleased that they didn't have to submit a plan to the feds for a reduced quota. Why? Because they would have had to do a study and they didn't have the time or the personnel to do one.

When no objection on a ban was presented from the commercial sector, DNR was pleased as punch.

Sounds like a win-win kind of deal.