Section 4-506.1 - Intentional disruption of lawful fishing activity prohibited. - Maryland Statutes

§ 4-506.1. Intentional disruption of lawful fishing activity prohibited.
 

(a)  Intentional interference.- While on private or public land, or Maryland waters, a person may not for the purpose of disrupting a lawful fishing activity: 

(1) Interfere intentionally with the lawful taking of fish or other marine life by another person; 

(2) Intentionally harass, drive, or disturb any fish for the purpose of disrupting a lawful fishing activity; 

(3) Intentionally block, impede, harass, or disturb a person engaged in a lawful fishing activity; 

(4) Intentionally deny passage by creating or erecting barriers on public property or on private property without the landowner's prior permission to areas where a lawful fishing activity is permitted; or 

(5) Intentionally hinder a lawful fishing activity by placing obstacles or objects in waters of the State. 

(b)  Incidental interference.- The conduct declared unlawful in this section does not include any incidental interference arising from lawful activity by private land users or users of land managed by the Department, including farmers, miners, or persons engaged in recreation. 

(c)  Enforcement.- A Natural Resources police officer or other police officer of the State who has probable cause to believe that a person has violated this section may: 

(1) Order the person to desist or to leave the area; or 

(2) Arrest the person who refuses to desist or to leave the area. 
 

[1998, ch. 254.]