§ 4-1005. Devices for catching oysters and clams; patent tongs; string culture of oysters

   (a) Devices generally. -- Subject to restrictions promulgated pursuant to this subtitle, a person may catch oysters or clams in the waters of the State only by hand, rakes, tongs, patent tongs, diving apparatus, dredges, handscrapes, cultch material suspended on strings, in trays, in bags, or similar devices. Soft-shell clams may be caught by hydraulic or mechanical dredges or rigs.

(b) Department authorized to regulate size and weight of patent tongs. -- The Department may make uniform the size and weight of patent tongs in waters where patent tongs are permitted. However, any person using any size or weight patent tongs on June 1, 1964, may continue to use them.

(c) String culture of oyster authorized. -- A person may catch oyster spat in the waters of the State by suspended means such as cultch material on strings, trays, bags, or similar devices, which do not touch the bottom and do not interfere with navigation.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 66C, § 13A, 698; 1973, 1st Sp. Sess., ch. 4, § 1; 1976, ch. 183, § 1; 1983, ch. 522; 2001, ch. 513.