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
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.
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.
Source: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/dmf-staff-directory
This is public government-listed information, so that's why it is OK to post the phone and email. OP is being helpful.
(Take my upvote and my award)
I've never heard of a license to harvest green crabs, they are invasive. Take as many as you want
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!
I thought they were edible... im confused
Everything is edible at least once
No i mean, why cant they be eaten? Is it tast are they contaminated, whats the issue
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
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
They are edible but small so a pita to eat. Plus I’m told they’re not very appetizing
Invasive means they were taking over habitat from non native species. Don't think it has anything to do with whether they are edible.
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
Id go for some deep fryed green crab. I envison eating it out of a paper cone on the beach.
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.
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.
Just do it anyways who gives a fuck, the world is ending nobody cares
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.
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.
It's been hit or miss for a couple years now.
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
It’s a distinction without a difference. You don’t need a permit but you do need permission
You know, as I recall MA also protects Mute Swans for some fucking reason.
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Tautog love green crabs. Harvest them and sell for bait
Kerry Allard must still be “working from home” i.e. gorging on Hot Pockets and binging reality TV.
Have you tried contacting greencrab.org
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.