Method of taking whelks

SC McCarty

Well-Known Member
#1
MOLLUSKS
29.10. General.​
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this article, saltwater mollusks, including octopus, may be taken only on hook-and-line or with the hands.​
On Saturday a friend caught whelks using a crab net from Stearns Wharf. They were too small to be of interest, but it got me thinking about the regulations. I believe most whelks caught commercially are taken as bycatch in crab or lobster traps. I think it would make sense to allow them to be taken this way under a sport license, but the current regulations don't seem to allow this.

Steve