CODE OF VIRGINIA

RESTRICTIONS ON CRAB DREDGING; PENALTY (§ 28.2-707)

A. It is unlawful for any boat licensed to dredge crabs to use more than two
dredges at any time when dredging for crabs. Such boat may use only one dredge
on each side of the boat or join two dredges together for use over the stern of
the boat. The size of dredges shall not exceed limits established by the
Commission. The Commission is authorized to promulgate regulations limiting the
size of dredges.

B. It is unlawful to dislodge crabs from the bottom with a crab dredge using
hydraulic methods.

C. It is unlawful to use a crab dredge on Saturday.

D. It is unlawful to use a dredge for catching crabs between April 1 and
December 1; however, the Commission, when in its judgment it is advisable due to
weather conditions or for purposes relating to the conservation of the blue crab
and it is not contrary to the public interest, may close a season in its
entirety, may open any season as early as November 16, may delay opening any
season, may extend any season until April 16 and may close any season early.

E. It is unlawful to use dredges to take crabs in any of the rivers, or their
estuaries, inlets, or creeks, except on the ocean side of Accomack and
Northampton Counties.Any person who violates any provision of this section is
guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

HISTORY: Code 1950, § 28-171; 1960, c. 517; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-166; 1981, c.
52; 1983, c. 603, § 28.1-165.1; 1992, cc. 122, 836; 1994, c. 492; 1996, c. 433.