New regulations implemented in spring
Michael A. Sawyers
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Wed Sep 14, 2011, 11:31 PM EDT
CUMBERLAND — Acting for the first time on newly implemented regulations, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources intends to suspend the fishing licenses of 60 recreational anglers.
“We were given legislative authority in 2009 for suspensions and revocations and this spring the guidelines were implemented,” Thomas O’Connell, director of the Fisheries Service, said Wednesday. “Fishermen need to follow the rules or know that there are consequences.”
Even first-time offenders may face a suspension for violations such as exceeding the trout creel limit in put-and-take waters or possessing trout while in a catch-and-return area. Other qualifying violations include the possession of trout in a zero-creel-limit area, too many or wrong-sized yellow perch and keeping or possessing trout in a delayed-harvest area during prohibited times.
The use of bait or artificial lures where they are prohibited are violations, but will not trigger suspensions, according to Fisheries Service spokeswoman Sarah Widman.
“These 60 anglers were sent letters on Aug. 26 informing them that their licenses would be suspended and telling them that they have 30 days to appeal,” O’Connell said. Appellants will meet with an administrative law judge — in Annapolis, Hunt Valley or Centreville — who has the options of upholding, lessening or eliminating the suspension.
Suspensions range from 30 days to one year, depending upon the violation.
“This time around, we have recommended the maximum suspensions for the particular violations,” O’Connell said. Suspensions are proposed only after conviction in court or prepayment of fines.
Four of the proposed suspensions, each of 180 days, are for violations committed in far Western Maryland.
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