Submitted by mikere t3_11lzdy2 in massachusetts

Has anybody been able to obtain a letter of authorization from the DWF to harvest invasive green crabs? The contact person on the DWF website that's supposed to be issuing the letters hasn't replied or picked up any calls for the past two months

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mikemerriman t1_jbf3xam wrote

Do I need the permit for green crabs?

The permit is not needed to take, retain or land green crabs as they are an inedible invasive species. However, state law requires individuals hold an authorization from DMF in order to harvest green crabs. To obtain this free authorization, please contact Kerry Allard for an LOA or more information at (617) 626-1633 or kerry.allard@mass.gov.

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mikere OP t1_jbffso0 wrote

Can't get a response from either the phone number or that email address for the past two months. Just called the New Bedford DMF office and they're sending me an application!

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TheGrandExquisitor t1_jbgzma7 wrote

This seems weird. Why would a harvest permit be needed for an invasive species? Good way to hamstring any efforts to eliminate it. Standard practice is to make invasive species fair game 24/7. Kill all you want.

This is...unusual

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mikemerriman t1_jbh0waq wrote

It’s a distinction without a difference. You don’t need a permit but you do need permission

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cowghost t1_jbfjex6 wrote

I thought they were edible... im confused

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mikemerriman t1_jbfk71v wrote

Everything is edible at least once

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cowghost t1_jbfl2i1 wrote

No i mean, why cant they be eaten? Is it tast are they contaminated, whats the issue

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mikere OP t1_jbfr48r wrote

they make for great stock. The meat tastes very similar to blue crab, but the crabs are smaller so there's more effort in shelling them

taking off their legs and deep frying them is also very delicious. The shell becomes crispy and you can eat the whole thing

This channel did a great catch and cook green crab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa1VvkZzwhE

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cowghost t1_jbfrn2q wrote

Id go for some deep fryed green crab. I envison eating it out of a paper cone on the beach.

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mikemerriman t1_jbfnong wrote

They are edible but small so a pita to eat. Plus I’m told they’re not very appetizing

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PakkyT t1_jbflexn wrote

They are, but I think in this context MA is saying only native crabs as food needs to be controlled/restricted. Where as invasive means non-edible in that they are not regulated by the Division of Marine Fisheries as a food source that needs to be protected or controlled

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cowghost t1_jbflzhl wrote

Thats so not clear, lol. Like they should promote it as the new food for NE, then every one will eat them and native pops can recover

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PakkyT t1_jbg0fax wrote

Yeah, government agencies are not the best on clarity. They should simply define it as animals native to the area are regulated and invasive species are not and leave off the edible vs. non-edible verbiage since they are using those incorrectly.

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HeyaShinyObject t1_jbfo4yc wrote

Invasive means they were taking over habitat from non native species. Don't think it has anything to do with whether they are edible.

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PakkyT t1_jbg1oos wrote

Understood, but if you look at the MA Division of Marine Fisheries pages they refer to them as "inedible invasive species" on one document I looked at and on another talk about "other edible crabs" then after it invasive crabs, kind of implying again that they do not consider them a food animal so not regulated under the same permitting as you get for lobsters and blue crabs.

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HeyaShinyObject t1_jbg6tdn wrote

I see. I was just highlighting that "inedible" and "invasive" are two different adjectives. They both apply here, but that may not always be the case.

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PakkyT t1_jbgiyi1 wrote

Except green crabs are edible. Which is why it is all very confusing. It is like the Division says if not native then not edible and "lalalalalalalala" with fingers stuck in their ears.

Even the MA general law about taking green crabs say the only thing you do with them is either destroy them or use them as bait. No other uses are mentioned, let alone consumption.

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ButterAndPaint t1_jbi5jbf wrote

Kerry Allard must still be “working from home” i.e. gorging on Hot Pockets and binging reality TV.

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tehmeangene t1_jbf0tt7 wrote

Definitely call the dmf offices in Gloucester or New Bedford. Don't call the Boston office, they're in the process of closing it. Ask to talk to someone in permitting if you get shifted to another line, calls that don't get answered on main line ring everyone's phone so they get answered.

You might have gotten lost in the shuffle because they just shifted to a new permitting system and everyone is still catching up.

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surfratmark t1_jbfee0w wrote

I've never heard of a license to harvest green crabs, they are invasive. Take as many as you want

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somegridplayer t1_jbewbgl wrote

I'd say actually call the New Bedford office and ask if they know anything about delays. They're usually the most responsive and helpful.

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AssFaceX t1_jbhc3ro wrote

Tautog love green crabs. Harvest them and sell for bait

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Due-Gift8811 t1_jbg37zr wrote

Just do it anyways who gives a fuck, the world is ending nobody cares

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