Bill > H898

This bill proposes to add a new section to Massachusetts state law that prohibits harvesting horseshoe crabs (specifically the species Limulus polyphemus) or their eggs from coastal waters for use as bait. The bill allows the director of the relevant agency to issue permits for taking horseshoe crabs only for educational or scientific purposes, provided such harvesting will not harm the coastal horseshoe crab population. Incidental taking of horseshoe crabs during legal fishing operations is permitted, as long as the crabs are immediately and unharmed returned to coastal waters. Violators of this prohibition will be fined $25 for each horseshoe crab taken, with an exception that possessing a molted horseshoe crab shell (exoskeleton) will not result in a penalty. The bill also requires the relevant division to create rules and regulations to enforce these provisions through the standard administrative rulemaking process outlined in Massachusetts law. The motivation appears to be protecting the horseshoe crab population, which plays a crucial ecological role and has been experiencing population pressures from various human activities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H898