Chinese Virus Lockdown order leaves fishing to feed your family legal from any type of boat

Frequently Asked Questions about Governor Hogan’s Stay at Home Order

Sport-Fishermen-at-Annapolis-Power-Boat-Show. FISH TO FEED YOUR FAMILY! THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo

FISH TO FEED YOUR FAMILY

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has issued a Stay at Home Order in response to the global COVID-19 public health crisis. While there are certain exceptions for essential functions, the primary intent of the order is for people to stay at home in order to limit the spread of the virus. 

A record Snakehead for Todd Murphy as many find ’em better to eat than Rockfish

What are snakeheads?

Snakeheads are air-breathing freshwater fishes that are not native to North America. In scientific terms, snakeheads are divided into two distinct genera:

  • Channa (snakeheads of Asia, Malaysia, and Indonesia)
  • Parachanna (African snakeheads)

In the summer of 2002 and again in late spring 2004, Channa argus, the northern snakehead, generated national media attention when anglers caught this fish in a pond in Maryland and, more recently, in the Potomac River in Maryland and Virginia. Fisheries scientists consider snakeheads to be invasive species because they have the potential to threaten native fishes, the recreational fishing industry, and aquatic ecosystems.

A mature northern snakehead female can carry as many as 50,000 eggs, although some will not develop and others will be eaten by insects and small fishes following fertilization. Depending on water temperature, eggs can hatch in about 24-48 hours.

With that in mind, here is some additional guidance in response to questions the department has received. This is current guidance and subject to change throughout the duration of the public health emergency. 

Fish and Eat Cheap

Fish and hunt at the same time! These deer were swimming across the Potomac River

Fish and hunt at the same time! These deer were swimming across the Potomac River. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo. Copyright 2020.

Can I go hunting?

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Cape Charles, Virginia fishing Pier. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo

Can I go fishing?

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

However, if an individual is boating to seek food for them or their family, boating is permitted.

Can I go boating?

Recreational boating is prohibited until the governor lifts the executive order or until the State of Emergency has ended. However, if an individual is boating to seek food for them or their family, boating is permitted. Boats used to transport essential employees or goods as defined in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce are also permitted

Kayaking on the Potomac River. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo

Does kayaking or paddle boarding count as recreational boating?

Since kayaking and paddleboarding are a form of exercise, they are permitted under the executive order. Guidance on social distancing and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.  

Sailboat-on-Patapsco-River. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo

I live on my sailboat – can I still be in my boat slip or moored out?

Michael Meade Sets New Maryland Snakehead Record

If your boat serves as your residence, you can remain on the vessel.

Eastport-Bridge-at-Spa-Creek-opens-for-this-sailboat. Even sail-boaters can fish to feed their families. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo

Snakeheads for breakfast, lunch and dinner! DNR says go get ’em!

Taylor Mooney reports on Snakehead catch from Wicomico River near Salisbury

Can I go to a state park?

Hiking, biking, and walking are allowed under the executive order but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Most state parks are open but some have been closed or have restricted areas. Please choose a park nearest your home to limit travel and be sure to check our website before you leave for the park and read our guidelines for social distancing in state parks. Natural Resources Police and Maryland Park Service rangers are authorized to enforce the governor’s executive order and will close areas and disperse crowds as necessary.

Bull-shark-caught-just-off-the-swimming-beach-at-Point-Lookout-State-Park. Photo courtesy of Buzzs Marina.

Can you fish in a state park?

Mallows Bay-fishing-revealed-fish-found-swimming-in-river-by-Catfish-Bill-Davis.

Limited fishing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

CAPT. LARRY JARBOE

Can you fish/crab from a boat if it is for sustenance? 

Limited recreational fishing and crabbing is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. 

Can charter boats work next month since they technically fall under the recreational quota from a fisheries standpoint? 

Aug. 30, 2019 A great day on the Bay. Buzz’s Marina

As part of the food supply chain, charter boats can continue operating but must abide by social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on gatherings of more than 10 people. Charter boats and head boats should NOT have more than 10 individuals on the vessel at any time.

Wildlife offices are closed, so hunters cannot get a permit to hunt on managed lands. Are managed lands closed to hunting? 

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe checks out the number of points on the rack of deer he accepted from Pamunkey and Mattaponi Indian tribes as annual rent for their own land.

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed. Hiking, biking and walking are also allowed. Please check the department’s website for the most recent information on closures before visiting DNR’s managed lands.

Coltons-Point-Marina-covered-slips on St. Patricks Creek off of the Potomac River. THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY photo

Are marinas an essential business now that boating is not allowed?

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) defines certain marine trades and marine services as essential. Additionally, the interpretive guidance that accompanied Executive Order 20-03-23-01 includes the following language:

  • “Companies engaged in the … distribution, and sale of oil, gas, and propane products” (section 2.g.ii) and “companies that supply parts, or provide maintenance and repair services for transportation assets and infrastructure including… marine vessels” (section 2.m.xii).
  • Bull Shark from Potomac in 2010 Buzzs Marina
  • THE CHESAPEAKE TALES & SCALES - Short Story collection by Lenny Rudow, Beth McCoy, Capt. Larry Jarboe, John Peterson, Mel Brokenshire, Mark Robbins, Stephen Gore Uhler, Patty Muchow, Ed Laney & Ken Rossignol in Kindle, paperback and Audible

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