Researcher: JKL Page 1 3/31/22
OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 5140
AN ACT CONCERNING THE HAND -HARVESTING OF HORSESHOE
CRABS IN THE STATE.
SUMMARY
This bill generally prohibits the hand-harvesting of horseshoe crabs
or their eggs from state waters. This applies regardless of any related
existing laws (see BACKGROUND).
Despite the general prohibition, the bill authorizes the Department of
Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) commissioner to allow
the hand-harvesting of horseshoe crabs, by permit, for (1) educational
or scientific purposes if she determines it will not harm the state’s
horseshoe crab population or (2) collecting horseshoe crab blood for
biomedical purposes if the crab is returned, unharmed, to the water
where it was collected.
The bill (1) subjects a person to a $25 fine for each specimen taken in
violation of the bill and (2) requires the DEEP commissioner to enforce
its provisions.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2022
BACKGROUND
Related Laws
Under existing law, the term “general commercial fishing” includes
the hand-harvesting of horseshoe crabs (CGS § 26-142a(a)(9)). Also,
existing law makes hand-harvesting horseshoe crabs in areas of
Stratford an infraction (CGS § 26-292b).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute 2022HB-05140-R000228-BA.DOCX
Researcher: JKL Page 2 3/31/22
Yea 31 Nay 0 (03/21/2022)