PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island - Interstate regulators are starting to consider possible new rules for a growing crab fishery in New England that has been increasing in value.
The Jonah Crab Advisory Panel of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is meeting on Wednesday in Providence, Rhode Island. Commission members say an interstate management plan would regulate issues such as minimum size and creation of a permitting system for the fishery.
The catch of Jonah crabs increased six fold from 2000 to 2013, in part because the crabs are popular as an alternative to the more expensive Dungeness crab.
The Jonah crab panel will report to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's American Lobster Management Board next month. The board will consider management measures and final approval next month.
