It also will give regulators time to develop and implement a long-term strategy for managing the fishery, he said. The commission agreed to a hardship exemption allowing license transfers to family members and transfers when a waterman sells his gear and boat to get out of the industry. Watermen have said the winter crab-dredging harvest was the worst in a decade or more. Some watermen told commissioners there is no reason to worry because blue crabs are resilient and that populations historically have fluctuated. They said more regulations on top of protective measures already in place will only hurt watermen.
Peelers are young crabs.
Travelstead said tags will help regulators enforce pot limits. Many people believe a lot of crabbers are harvesting more than licenses allow, he said. PA groups threaten to sue over acid mine drainage Environmental and outdoor sports groups threatened in June to sue Pennsylvania and the federal government for failing to ensure that a state program for cleaning up acid mine drainage is sufficiently funded. Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future, the lead petitioner, sent letters June 3 to U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt and state Environmental Protection Secretary James Seif, warning that they intend to file a lawsuit within 60 days if steps are not taken to correct the shortfall. This is required in case a company goes bankrupt or damage occurs after a mine is closed.