With blue crab season in full swing, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding recreational crabbers to review current regulations before heading out. No license or permit is required to recreationally crab in New York, but anglers must follow current size and possession limits. Hard shell blue crabs must measure at least 4-1/2 inches, soft shell crabs 3-1/2 inches, and peeler/shedder crabs 3 inches. The daily possession limit is 50 crabs, and the fishery is open year-round. Harvest or possession of egg-bearing crabs is prohibited.
Popular crabbing methods include baited handlines and dip nets, collapsible traps and non-collapsible crab pots. Those using non-collapsible pots should remember they must be properly marked with a visible buoy, reflective material and contact information, may not be set within 25 feet of a designated navigation channel, and must be equipped with both an escape panel and, in many waters, a Terrapin Excluder Device (TED) to prevent diamondback terrapins from becoming trapped and drowning.
The DEC also reminds crabbers to handle blue crabs carefully, as cuts or punctures can become infected with naturally occurring Vibrio bacteria found in warm coastal waters. Wash any wounds immediately with soap and clean water. Free TEDs are available while supplies last by contacting the DEC at 631-444-0444 or NYBlueCrab@dec.ny.gov.
