An Act to end the taking of horseshoe crabs for bait
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to protect horseshoe crabs in Massachusetts by gradually phasing out their harvesting for bait. The Department of Environmental Affairs will create a plan to eliminate horseshoe crab harvesting by January 1, 2029. Limited harvesting may be permitted for educational or scientific purposes with specific department approval, and incidental taking during legal fishing is allowed as long as the crabs are returned unharmed. Violations will result in a $25 fine per horseshoe crab taken.
Key provisions
- Establishes a plan for the gradual elimination of horseshoe crab harvesting by January 1, 2029.
- Allows for limited harvesting of horseshoe crabs for educational and scientific purposes with department approval.
- Permits incidental taking during legal fishing operations if crabs are returned unharmed.
- Imposes a $25 fine for each horseshoe crab taken illegally from coastal waters.
- Requires the Department to promulgate rules and regulations for enforcement.
Who is affected
- Fishermen
- Environmentalists
- Massachusetts Residents
- Horseshoe Crab Population
- Department of Environmental Affairs
Notable changes
- This bill represents a significant shift in the regulation of horseshoe crab harvesting in Massachusetts.
- It establishes a specific timeline for the complete elimination of the practice.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
16 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
Cosponsors
Carmine Lawrence Gentile
David T. Vieira
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