Massachusetts H5266 aims to end the taking of horseshoe crabs for bait by 2029.
Massachusetts H5266 amends Chapter 130 of the General Laws to prohibit the taking of horseshoe crabs for bait. The Department of Environmental Protection must establish a plan to eliminate this practice by January 1, 2029. Exceptions allow for incidental taking during legal fishing operations if the crabs are returned unharmed. Violations incur a $25 fine per crab. Horseshoe crabs, specifically the species Limulus polyphemus, are defined in the bill.
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