HARRY HUGHES, Governor                                      3971

House Bill No. 520

AN ACT concerning

Oysters - Cull Limit - Divers

FOR the purpose of altering to a certain length the minimum size
of the oysters that an oyster diver must cull and replace on
certain oyster bars; altering the method of measuring the
size of oysters; and generally relating to the catching of
oysters by persons using diving apparatus.

BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments,

Article - Natural Resources

Section 4-1015(a)
Annotated Code of Maryland
(1983 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,

Article - Natural Resources

Section 4-1015(a) and 4-1015.1(a)

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1983 Replacement Volume and 1984 Supplement)

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Natural Resources

4-1015.

(a) A person who catches oysters from the waters of the
State with any scoop, dredge, tong, rake, or any similar
instrument shall cull the oysters on the natural bar from which
they were caught, and return to the bar all shells, stones,
gravel, and slag. Any oyster whose shell measures less than 3
inches in length from hinge to bill IN DISTANCE BETWEEN ITS
LONGEST OR WIDEST POINTS, whether or not attached to a marketable
oyster, shall be included in the culling and replaced on the bar
from which caught. The Department by rule may permit the
possession of marketable oysters to which nonmarketable oysters
adhere so closely that it is impossible to remove them without
destroying the smaller oyster. Oyster culling shall be completed
before any oyster is thrown or deposited in the hold or bottom of
any boat.

4-1015.1.