Section 50-5-545 - [Effective 7/1/2025] Commercial blue crab traps; escape vent requirements; peeler trap exemption(A) Except as provided in this section, a trap used for taking blue crab for commercial purposes from June 1 through March 14, or for recreational purposes year round, must have at least two unobstructed, circular escape vents (rings) which must be two and three-eighths inches or greater in inside diameter and located on vertical surfaces. At least one vent (ring) must be in the upper chamber. All vents (rings) must be within two inches of the horizontal partition or the base of the trap.(B) A trap used for taking blue crab constructed of a single chamber must have at least one two and three-eighths inch or larger inside diameter escape vent (ring) located on a vertical surface within two inches of the base of the trap. Peeler traps are exempt year round.(C) A trap used for taking blue crab, other than peeler traps, must be constructed of wire with a minimum mesh size of one and one-half inches, have throats or entrances located only on a vertical surface, and have a maximum dimension of twenty-four inches by twenty-four inches by twenty-four inches or a volume of eight cubic feet.Amended by 2024 S.C. Acts, Act No. 212 (HB 4386),s 5, eff. 7/1/2025.Amended by 2013 S.C. Acts, Act No. 7 (SB 305), s 5, eff. 3/22/2013.2002 Act No. 342, Section 23; 2000 Act No. 245, Section 3.This section is set out more than once due to postponed, multiple, or conflicting amendments.