Public Comment Period on Proposed Commercial Blue Crab Regulations Extended

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Annapolis, Md. (February 17, 2009) - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has extended the public comment period for proposed commercial blue crab regulations through the close of business on Friday, February 27, 2009. Public comment is an important part of the regulatory process. Based on the large public response thus far, the Department is extending the public comment period to provide the public with an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed changes.

The proposed regulations can be viewed in the January 16, 2009 volume of the Maryland Register or online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries/regulations/proposedregulations.html.

Comments may be submitted by email to fisheriespubliccomment@dnr.state.md.us, fax to 410-260-8310, and by mail to Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Service, ATTN: Crab Public Comment, 580 Taylor Ave. B-2, Annapolis, MD 21401.

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February 17, 2009

Contact: Ray Weaver 410-260-8002 office I 410-507-7526 cell rweaver@dnr.state.md.us

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov