Bill
SB 960
Expands Maryland tools to control blue catfish by authorizing new harvest methods (electrofishing and longer trotlines) and requires a rapid MDA study on processing and marketing n
Status & Key Dates
- Introduced: January 28, 2025 (Sen. Mautz)
- Assigned to Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee; hearing noted 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.
- Emergency bill: takes effect upon enactment.
- Mandates Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) report to General Assembly by September 1, 2025.
Purpose
- To strengthen Maryland’s regulatory tools for controlling blue catfish populations in tidal waters (Chesapeake Bay) by expanding authorized harvest methods and directing agency study of processing/marketing needs.
Main provisions
- Changes Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulations (statutory language amending Art. — Natural Resources §4–701.2) governing commercial blue and flathead catfish trotline licenses to require that, for catching blue catfish, DNR regulations:
- Establish a pilot program authorizing the use of electrofishing;
- Authorize finfish trotlines up to 2,400 feet in length (current general trotline cap is 1,200 ft under other regs);
- Prohibit setting a limit on the number of hooks a trotline may use (for this license category);
- Authorize the use of non‑corrodible hooks.
- Retains commercial blue/flathead catfish trotline license mechanics: 1‑year term (Sept 1–Aug 31), $15 annual fee, nontransferable, must be carried while fishing.
- MDA reporting requirement (due 9/1/2025): identify needs and best practices for (1) collecting and processing harvested blue catfish, (2) marketing blue catfish to private and government buyers, and (3) financing those efforts.
Who/what is affected
- Commercial harvesters/boat operators (especially those under the blue/flathead trotline license);
- Fish processors, wholesalers, and seafood markets (potentially expanded supply);
- DNR (responsible for adopting and implementing regulations and pilot program);
- MDA (required to study and report on processing/marketing/financing needs);
- Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and fisheries management (intended population control of an abundant/non‑native species).
Fiscal and practical impacts
- Department of Legislative Services fiscal note: no revenue effect; $10,000 special fund increase in FY2026 (to hire a consultant for MDA’s report).
- Small businesses: potential meaningful benefit from increased harvest/market opportunities; but participating harvesters may face material upfront equipment costs to use electrofishing (DNR estimate: potentially > $15,000 per harvester).
- DNR expects to implement required regulation changes and the pilot program with existing resources; federal grant activity for related monitoring may overlap.
Other notes
- The bill is an emergency measure to allow immediate regulatory changes and fast follow‑up by MDA (report due within months).
- The pilot program and report are intended to inform whether expanded gear/methods and market supports can sustainably increase blue catfish removal and commercial value.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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