Do You Need to Measure When Hooping?

February 11, 2009

Question: A lobster fisherman who uses hoops told me that everyone aboard a vessel and hooping for lobster must have a measuring device in possession. I can understand a team of divers having to individually possess a measuring device, but is it true that everyone aboard a small vessel must have their own device or will one measuring device suffice for everyone aboard? (Fred H.)

Answer: Your friend is correct. Every person while taking invertebrates which have a size limit shall carry a device which is capable of accurately measuring the minimum legal size of the species taken (CCR Title 14 Code Section 29.05 [c]). Therefore, everyone must carry their own gauge.