Mud Crab Fishery Management Regulations, 2024.

These Regulations are made by the Minister of Fisheries under Section 61 of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996. These regulations shall apply to mud crab fishing operations of wild mud crabs in Sri Lanka Waters. They prohibit mud crab fishing operations by any person unless a valid licence is obtained. The restrictions on mud crab fishing are laid down including catching or selling mud crabs of carapace width of less than 130 millimeters, or their eggs. The Minister shall, by a notice, declare closed season and open season for crab fishing in areas specified in such notice. A person shall not dredge or damage the sea bottom or banks of the habitat while fishing for mud crabs.