§305.6. Commercial crab fishing; apprentice license; requirements
A. The commission shall establish a program to increase and elevate professionalism
in the commercial crab industry. Such professionalism program shall include education in
the proper fishing techniques necessary for the health and sustainability of the species; proper
techniques for the best capture and presentation of the crabs for marketability; proper
instructions regarding the placement, tending, and maintenance of crab traps to reduce
potential conflicts with other user groups, and may include an apprenticeship program. The
professionalism program shall be established no later than November 15, 2014, through rules
promulgated pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act.
B. Beginning November 15, 2014, and applicable to license year 2015 and thereafter,
no person shall be issued a commercial crab trap gear license unless that person qualifies
under any of the following provisions:
(1) The person possessed a valid commercial crab trap gear license during any two
license years between 2011 and 2014.
(2) The person possessed a valid wholesale/retail seafood dealer's license and can
demonstrate crab landings through trip ticket submissions during any two years between
2011 and 2014.
(3) The person has enrolled in and completed the program to increase and elevate
professionalism in the commercial crab industry established pursuant to the provisions of this
Section.
Acts 1995, No. 873, §1; Acts 2004, No. 831, §1, eff. July 12, 2004; Acts 2014, No.
540, §1, eff. June 5, 2014; Acts 2015, No. 209, §1.