DNR Suspends Fishing Licenses for Too Many Crabs, Other Violations

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials said last week they are proposing to suspend the fishing licenses of 61 anglers, including seven from Anne Arundel County.

Officials said all of the names on the list have violated some provisions of Maryland fishing laws. These laws are designed to help protect certain species by closing fishing during certain times of the year, implementing catch limits and restricting the possession of female blue crabs, according to the DNR.

“These are acts that violate the public’s trust,” DNR Secretary John Griffin said in a media release. “These suspensions serve as a warning to any would-be violators that we take any disregard for the laws that protect our fisheries very seriously.”

According to the release, fishermen who violate regulations are eligible for suspensions ranging from 30 to 365 days. The suspensions become effective 30 days after the notice is mailed.

They have the opportunity to request a hearing. Suspensions would not become effective until after the hearing.

The DNR has ramped up enforcement and penalties in recent years to help maintain Maryland fisheries and those who rely on them to make a living.

A 2009 law gave the Maryland DNR the power to suspend or revoke fishing licenses for those who violate regulations.

In Anne Arundel County, those on the list include:

According to the Department of Natural Resources, every person over the age of 16 needs a license to fish in Maryland.

A fishing license is good from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

Individuals under the age of 16 are not required to have a license to sport fish or crab. They can purchase a recreational crab license to catch a bushel of crabs (allowed with that license).

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