Since January 1, 1998, all commercial style crab pots must be constructed to include a biodegradable panel designed to create an opening to allow crabs and other organisms to escape if the pot is lost or abandoned. Also effective January 1, 1998, all commercial style crab pots set in any man-made lagoon or any water body less than 150 feet wide must include a turtle excluder device inside all pot entrance funnels. Specific information may be obtained upon application for license, or by contacting the Bureau of Marine Fisheries at 609-748-2020.
It is illegal to harvest or possess more than one bushel of crabs per day per person or offer for sale any crabs without having in your possession a valid commercial crabbing license. The minimum size for crabs that may be harvested – measured from point to point of shell – are 4-1/2 inches for hard crabs, 3-1/2 inches for soft crabs, and 3 inches for peelers or shedders. Undersized crabs and female crabs with eggs attached must be returned immediately.