The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is scoping possible regulatory changes on several fishing-related topics. During the scoping process, the department gathers suggestions and ideas from stakeholders and others about how to solve a problem or address a need, with the goal of identifying issues, potential impacts, and reasonable alternatives so that management actions can be developed.
All comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on November 13, 2026.
Topics Under Consideration
- Blue Crabs – Housekeeping: The department needs to update the recreational license exceptions for persons under the age of 16.
- Eels – Commercial Use as Bait: The department would like to re-allow commercial hook-and-line harvesters the ability to use eels as bait during the recreational striped bass season closure in August.
- Gear – Recreational and Commercial Rules: The department is considering updating certain rules for both recreational and commercial fishing gear, including jugs, gigs, trotlines, and projectile gear.
- Penalties – Updates to Schedules: The department would like to modify its commercial and recreational penalty schedules.
- Reporting – Electronic Harvest Reporting with Hailing: The department is considering changes to some rules for electronic harvest reporting.
- Scientific Collection Permits – Housekeeping: The department needs to remove the revocation provisions in the regulations for scientific collection permits.
- Shellfish Aquaculture – Reporting Deadlines: The department needs to update the deadline for when certain aquaculture reports are due.
- Spiny Dogfish – Commercial Permit Process: The department would like to simplify the permitting process for commercial spiny dogfish.
- White Perch – Recreational and Commercial Management Measures: The department is considering declaring white perch as a species in need of conservation and potential management options (both recreational and commercial).
Visit the Changes to Fishing Regulations page for more information about what the department is considering and how to submit comments. Visit the regulation definitions page to learn about each step of the regulatory process.