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.08 Egg-Bearing Female Crabs
You cannot possess, transport, or pack sponge crabs (egg-bearing females) or crabs with the egg pouch removed. Exception: licensed dealers can import them from out of state during a 71-day window (between April 10 and July 20) set annually by the Department.
A. A person may not possess, transport, or pack female crabs from which the egg pouch or bunion has been removed, or an egg-bearing female crab known as the sponge crab, with exceptions noted in §B. B. Dealers and processing plants may import such crabs into Maryland when: (1) Accompanied by bill of sale/lading from origin jurisdiction; and (2) Only during the 71-day window established by public notice. C. Public Notice Requirements. The Department must consult with industry groups and issue annual notice establishing an import period that: (1) Spans exactly 71 consecutive days; (2) Cannot begin before April 10 or end after July 20; (3) Must be published on the Department website by April 1 annually; and (4) Should be disseminated through multiple media channels.