MarylandHB 09472026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Natural Resources - Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program - Alterations

Sponsored By: Sheree Sample-Hughes (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Hunting and FishingBoundariesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Emergency BillsFish and Fishing -see also- Aquaculture; FishNets&DevFishing Nets and DevicesInvasive Species -see also- Animals; Insects; PlantsLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsNatural Resources -see also- Coal; For&Pks; Rivers; etc.Natural Resources, Department ofPilot ProgramsReportsSunset

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Pilot expands blue catfish harvest rules

The Department of Natural Resources runs a pilot to cut invasive blue catfish. It includes for-hire and commercial trips, a trotline program south of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, a gill net program, and other methods. The Department can let eligible operators run for-hire and commercial trips at the same time and change rules to raise harvests. It allows finfish trotlines south of the bridge where feasible and can close spots to avoid bycatch or conflicts. The Department considers authorizing electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet, no hook limits, and non‑corrodible hooks, and expands practices that work. The law is in effect now and ends June 30, 2030.

New $15 catfish commercial license

You can get a commercial blue and flathead catfish license to sell fish in Maryland tidal waters. It allows blue catfish by finfish trotline or a gill net with mesh no more than 7 inches, and flathead catfish by finfish trotline. The license costs $15 per year, runs September 1 to August 31, is nontransferable, and you must have it with you while fishing. You do not need a tidal fish license to apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sheree Sample-Hughes
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Christopher T. Adams
Republican • House
H. Kevin Anderson
Republican • House
Steven J. Arentz
Republican • House
Barry Beauchamp
Republican • House
Regina T. Boyce
Democratic • House
Robin L. Grammer
Republican • House
Wayne A. Hartman
Republican • House
Anne Healey
Democratic • House
Marvin E. Holmes
Democratic • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House
Ryan Nawrocki
Republican • House
Kathy Szeliga
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 172 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026