Dec. 12, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 554

For more information, contact Roy Miller, Fisheries, 302-739-9914, or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Horseshoe Crab Seasons, Harvest Limits Set for 2009

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has amended Delaware’s horseshoe crab regulations to set a 2009 harvest limit of 100,000 male horseshoe crabs – the same limit as 2008 – and to extend the beach collection season from the end of June to the end of July.  

The 2009 horseshoe crab harvest season will be open from June 8 through Dec. 31. The season remains closed from Jan. 1 through June 7. Beach collection of horseshoe crabs, where presently legal, will be allowed to continue until July 31. Harvest of female horseshoe crabs is banned at all times of the year.

These amendments keep Delaware in compliance with Addendum V to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crabs as administered by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Failure to amend existing horseshoe crab harvest regulations would result in federal sanctions against Delaware, including the closure of Delaware’s horseshoe crab fishery. These amended regulations may be extended another year for 2010 if the ASMFC approves.

The decision to amend the regulations was made following a public hearing held Nov. 3 and a review of all public comments received. A copy of the Secretary’s Order amending the regulations is available at www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/SecOrders.aspx.