2013 Maryland Code
NATURAL RESOURCES
§ 4-1021 - Dredging in Pocomoke and Tangier sounds

§4-1021.

(a) The Department may adopt rules and regulations governing the type, number, and size of dredges used in Pocomoke and Tangier sounds and governing those areas in which dredges may be operated. A person may have two dredges aboard any boat if no more than one dredge is in operation at any given time.

(b) A person may not catch clams in Pocomoke and Tangier sounds between sunset on one day and sunrise the following day or on Sundays. The season for catching hard-shell clams by dredge under this section is from September 15 in each year to May 31 of the year following, inclusive.

(c) A person may not have any oysters aboard any boat in Pocomoke or Tangier sounds when a dredge is aboard.

§ 4-1021 - 1. Dredging for hard-shell clams in Atlantic Coastal Bays prohibited.

A person may not catch hard-shell clams by hydraulic clam dredge or other mechanical means in the Atlantic Coastal Bays, as defined in § 8-1802 of this article.

§ 4-1021 - 2. Patent tonging in certain areas of Somerset County

(a) Regulations. -- The Department may adopt regulations governing the use of patent tongs to harvest hard-shell clams in areas of Somerset County where the use of patent tongs to catch oysters is authorized.

(b) Prohibited; season. --

(1) This subsection applies only in Somerset County.

(2) A person may not catch hard-shell clams with patent tongs:

(i) Between sunset on any day and sunrise the following day; or

(ii) On Sundays.

(3) The season for catching hard-shell clams with patent tongs is the same as the season for catching oysters with patent tongs as provided in § 4-1008.1 of this subtitle or as altered by regulations adopted under § 4-2A-05 of this title.