Management Structure
The Texas blue crab fishery, which is fished exclusively within Texas state territorial waters, is managed by Texas state legislature and associated regulatory bodies, including the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). TPWC sets regulations on methods, means of take, and catch limits. Legislature sets fees and license structure, as well as standards for management. TPWD is the administrative arm that carries out management tasks. Because blue crabs only occur within the nine-nautical mile limit of state waters, the United States federal government has no direct role in managing the fishery. Members of TPWD, as well as members from the management agencies of the other four Gulf States, collaborate regularly with the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC). GSMFC acts as an advisory agency, providing management recommendations for each Gulf State; however, they have no regulatory authority. Members of TPWD, as well as members from the management agencies of the other four Gulf States, collaborate regularly through the GSMFC.
Brief History of Management Changes
1980 – 5-inch minimum size limit; illegal to retain sponge crabs
1991 – Trap tags required for each trap, issued by the state
1993 – Escape rings required
1995 – Texas Senate Bill 750, created legal authority for limited-entry licensing
1997 – Creation of Crab License Management Program. This legislation became effective in 1998. Through 1999, an applicant for a blue crab license must have held one in the 1995-1996 season. After 1999, applicants for blue crab licenses must have held a license in the previous year. This new legislation only allowed three licenses per person and included a buyback program.
1998 – Degradable component mandated
2001 – Creation of abandoned crab trap removal program.
Current Regulations
See Texas Parks and Wildlife Outdoor Annual
See 2014-2015 Texas Commercial Fishing Guide
Previous: Fishery Interactions Next: MAP Participants
