.05 Bank Traps and Channel Pounds

A. Structural Requirements.
(1) A row of hedging attached to any bank trap or channel pound may not exceed more than 1/3 the distance across the body of water in which it is placed.
(2) Traps must include an airspace safety chamber extending 12 inches above water at mean high tide — either a cube at least 12" per side or a cylinder at least 18" diameter and 12" high.
(3) A marker shall be attached to each bank trap and channel pound, clearly identifying the name and license number of the owner in letters at least 2 inches high.

B. Placement Areas.
(1) Allowed in waters around Eastern Neck Island and Somerset County tidal waters, with 300-foot spacing from other traps.
(2) In Somerset County, traps must be 500 feet from waterfront residences unless written permission obtained.
(3) Permission must include signature, address, and telephone number.
(4) Permission must be shown upon request to law enforcement.

C. Quantity Limit.
An individual may not set more than 35 bank traps or channel pounds in the tidal waters of Somerset County.

D. Timing Requirements.
(1) Staking permitted after 8 a.m. March 15.
(2) Landowners may stake starting March 1.
(3) Traps must be installed by May 1.
(4) Removal required by December 1.
(5) If removed early, all materials must be cleared within 30 days.