Measure on Controlling Crab Catches in the Coastal and Offshore Fisheries
Measure on Controlling Crab Catches in the Coastal and Offshore Fisheries
To ensure sustainable utilization of crab resources, on 27 January 2014, the Council of Agriculture proclaimed the Measure on Controlling Crab Catches in the Coastal and Offshore Fisheries, for implementation as from 1 April 2014. Key points of the measure are as follows:1. Fishing vessels are prohibited from catching the following crabs:
1) Charybdis feriatus: shell span (the distance between the broadest points of the two sides of the top shell of crab) under 8 cm.
2) Portunus sanguinolentus: shell span under 8 cm.
3) Portunus pelagicus: shell span under 8 cm.
4) Charybdis natator: shell span under 6 cm.
5) Ranina ranina: shell length (the distance between the center points of the two sides of the top shell of crab) under 6 cm.
2. Every year between 16 August and 15 November, fishing vessels are prohibited from catching spawning crabs carrying fertilized eggs on the sides of their abdomens.
3. Such crabs listed in paragraph 1 above, incidentally caught, whether live or dead, should be released immediately into the sea, and they are not allowed to be brought into port or carried on board. Incidental catch of such crabs by gillnets should be removed from the nets at sorting areas in fishing port where landing is carried out, have them placed in surviving tanks, and be released into the sea within 12 hours after the arrival of the vessel in port.
4. For the purpose of scientific research of such crabs, with the approval of the central competent authority, the prohibitions set forth in the preceding 3 paragraphs may be waived.
5. Anyone who violates the above measure, is liable to a fine of not less than NT$30,000 but not more than NT$150,000, in accordance with Article 65, paragraph 6 of the Fisheries Act.