Sec.26-142a-16. Definitions

The following definitions shall apply to regulations adopted under authority of sections 26-112, 26-142a, 26-157b, 26-157c, and 26-159a of the general statutes:

(1) "Bycatch" is that portion of a commercial fishery catch that is taken incidental to the directed fishing effort. Directed fishing is indicated by the primary species or group of species sought, the commercial gear utilized, the area and time of the year when the fishing occurs. Bycatch may include but not be limited to an amount of a species allowed to be taken during fishing with small mesh or a regulated gear type.

(2) For sport fishing purposes, "culling" or "high-grading" means discarding or returning a previously retained fish to the water in order to retain a more desirable fish. Any fish placed on a stringer, in a container, cooler, live well or similar device, or otherwise not immediately released to the water shall count against the daily creel limit.

(3) For commercial fishing purposes, to "land" means to tie up to a dock, the land or structure attached to the land, bring ashore, off-load, or to begin to off-load finfish, lobsters, crabs, sea scallops, or squid which were taken by commercial fishing gear or taken for commercial purposes.

For sportfishing purposes, to "land" means to fail to immediately return any finfish, lobster, or crab, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which such species were taken.

(4) "Landing limit" is the total number or weight of finfish, crustaceans, squid, sea scallops or horseshoe crabs, of any species or species group that may be legally landed in this state.

(5) "Possession limit" regarding commercial fishing is the total number or weight of finfish, crustaceans, squid, sea scallops or horseshoe crabs, of any species or species group that may be legally possessed while on the waters of the state by a holder of a license or registration issued under authority of section 26-142a of the general statutes concerning the taking of lobsters, finfish, crabs, squid, sea scallops or horseshoe crabs.

(6) "Lath" is the wood used to construct the outer surface of a lobster pot.

(Effective May 19, 1995; Amended January 25, 2007)