28.2-707 - Restrictions on crab dredging; penalty. - Virginia Statutes

§ 28.2-707. Restrictions on crab dredging; penalty.

A. It is unlawful for any boat licensed to dredge crabs to use more than twodredges at any time when dredging for crabs. Such boat may use only onedredge on each side of the boat or join two dredges together for use over thestern of the boat. The size of dredges shall not exceed limits established bythe Commission. The Commission is authorized to promulgate regulationslimiting the size of dredges.

B. It is unlawful to dislodge crabs from the bottom with a crab dredge usinghydraulic methods.

C. It is unlawful to use a crab dredge on Saturday.

D. It is unlawful to use a dredge for catching crabs between April 1 andDecember 1; however, the Commission, when in its judgment it is advisable dueto weather conditions or for purposes relating to the conservation of theblue crab and it is not contrary to the public interest, may close a seasonin its entirety, may open any season as early as November 16, may delayopening any season, may extend any season until April 16 and may close anyseason early.

E. It is unlawful to use dredges to take crabs in any of the rivers, or theirestuaries, inlets, or creeks, except on the ocean side of Accomack andNorthampton Counties.

Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 3misdemeanor.

(Code 1950, § 28-171; 1960, c. 517; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-166; 1981, c. 52;1983, c. 603, § 28.1-165.1; 1992, cc. 122, 836; 1994, c. 492; 1996, c. 433.)