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www.LaFisheriesForward.org Commercial Harvest of Blue Crab REGULATIONS for 2018-2019 Season GEAR CHANGE Reminder Changes to Escape Rings Effective November 15, 2017 • Each crab trap must have a minimum of 3 escape rings • At least 2 must be in the upper chamber • 2 3/8 th inches in diameter NEW CHANGES Harvest of Female Blue Crabs Prohibited March 1 - April 30 A commercial fisherman may possess an incidental take of female crabs in an amount not to exceed two percent of the total number of crabs that is possessed.* *The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission removed the 30-day February through March crab trap closure period for the years 2018 and 2019. Current REGULATIONS to REMAIN in effect Ban on Harvest of Immature Female Blue Crabs • No commercial harvest of immature females, regardless of size • 2% allowance in crates; work or cull box exempt • Exemption for softshell crab; must be in peeler/buster box
