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Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: duckmen1 on March 17, 2023, 10:25:18 AM

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Title: Crab/shellfish closure question
Post by: duckmen1 on March 17, 2023, 10:25:18 AM

So looking in the regulations it talks about year round crabbing on some of the coast. Although when looking at the DOH it lists razor clams open all other shellfish closed- then reading the biotoxins it refers to it keeps saying biotoxins for crab are in the crab butter and cleaning crabs removing guts make them safe to eat. So my question is is it open and safe to eat or closed. Picture for reference. And to clarify this is shore bound and casting traps and such. Also refering to the diamond picture at bottom of list.

Title: Re: Crab/shellfish closure question
Post by: GWP on March 17, 2023, 12:23:03 PM

The first thing is clams and crab are separate items in the regs. I sometimes lump them in my head regarding the regs for some reason. I guess because ‘shell’?
The next is ‘from the beach’ also includes docks and anything not in a boat.
Follow the closures on the maps to be safe. Some of the biotoxins have no cure, so up to you if you want to take a chance. It concentrates by the shore, but even if the coast is closed the bays are ‘usually’ still open.
Also, different than crab and clams, sand shrimp (ghost shrimp), because they process food differently, can be taken off the beach and eaten even when the beach is closed. They still don’t recommend eating the yellow fat though.
I like mussels, and find them beached on ocean debris often, but still won’t eat them if there is a closure. I have enough beat up body issues without possibly adding more, but everyone can decide for themselves if it is worth taking a chance.

Title: Re: Crab/shellfish closure question
Post by: Jake Dogfish on March 17, 2023, 01:33:09 PM

As long as you don’t eat the crab guts, you will be fine.