Blue Claw Crab Report
by Jack Miktus
(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association May
1998 Newsletter)
This is just a reminder that effective now there are changes to the regulations pertaining to (Maryland style) crab pots. All pots sold or used in New Jersey must have a biodegradable escape. The most commen is a plastic door attached with biodegradable clips . Most baitshops should have a supply. The reason for this is if a trap is lost, the clamps holding the escape door will rot away after a short time and the trap stops being a death trap . The second change states that any trap placed in a manmade lagoon or any body of water less than 150' across must have turtle excluders at all funnels. The excluder is a heavy wire rectangle 3" by 5" secured inside the funnel to prevent the fatter Diamondback Terrapin from entering and possibly drowning. Any crab pot in a bay or wide river only needs the escape hatch. If your confused check with your local bait shop they should be able to make it understandable.