15A NCAC 03L .0208. STONE CRABS (MENIPPE MERCENARIA)

It is unlawful to:

(1)           Possess stone crab bodies, or fail to immediately return stone crab bodies to the waters from which taken;

(2)           Remove, take or possess any claw(s) from June 15 through August 15;

(3)           Remove, take or possess any claw(s) from egg-bearing stone crabs;

(4)           Use any device to take stone crabs that can puncture, crush, or injure the crab body, such as gigs, spears, grabs, hooks, or similar devices; and

(5)           Remove, take or possess stone crab claw(s) which have a propodus (forearm) less than two and three quarter inches in length, measured by a straight line from the elbow to the tip of the lower immovable finger.  The propodus (forearm) is defined as the largest section of the claw assembly that has both a movable and immovable finger and is located farthest from the body of the crab.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 143B-289.52;

Eff. December 1, 2006.