250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-5.8

Current through December 26, 2024
Section 250-RICR-90-00-5.8 - Jonah Crab
A. Recreational
1. Season: Open all year
2. Possession limit: Fifty (50) whole Jonah Crabs per person per day
B. Commercial
1. Eligibility for participation in Directed Fishery: Any licensed person who holds a lobster trap allocation (LTA), or any person who does not hold an LTA but can prove participation in the Jonah Crab fishery prior to the control date, shall be eligible for continued participation in the fishery. Proof of participation shall be documented by Rhode Island Harvester Logbooks and/or SAFIS dealer reports.
a. Control date: The control date for the Jonah Crab fishery is June 2, 2015.
2. Minimum size: Four and three quarters inches (4-3/4") as measured across the widest point of the carapace
3. Minimum escape vent and maximum trap size: Minimum escape vent and maximum trap size for a trap utilized in the taking of Jonah Crab shall meet the requirements as specified in § 5.5.1(I) of this Part pertaining to lobster pots.
4. Season: Open all year
5. Possession limit
a. Directed Fishery: Unlimited
b. Incidental Catch Provision: One thousand (1,000) crabs per vessel per calendar day provided the poundage of crabs does not exceed the poundage of other species on board the vessel at all times during a fishing trip.
C. Harvest restrictions
1. Egg-bearing Jonah Crabs: No person shall take, offer for sale, or possess at any time any female Jonah Crab bearing eggs visible thereon or from which the egg pouch or bunion shall have been removed.
2. Only whole Jonah Crab may be retained and sold.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-90-00-5.8

Amended effective 5/8/2019
Amended effective 2/14/2020
Amended effective 1/5/2021
Amended effective 6/5/2022
Amended effective 4/28/2024
Amended effective 7/20/2024