Maryland wildlife officials have scheduled three informational meetings on unused crabbing licenses. The Department of Natural Resources has proposed freezing limited crabbing licenses that have not reported any harvests from 2004 to 2008 to help falling crab stocks. State officials say there are about 6,000 licensed commercial crabbers in Maryland, including 3,700 limited licensees, but only a small portion are active. Under an initial proposal, about 1,000 limited licenses would have been frozen, but officials say that number could change. The upcoming meetings will allow the public to get information on unused licenses.

April 16, 1-8 p.m., Earleigh Hgts Fire Hall, 161 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146.
April 20, 1-8 p.m., Black Diamond Lodge, 310 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland, MD 21826
April 21, 1-8 p.m., Easton Armory, 7111 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601

The open houses are designed as educational exhibits that the public can attend at any time during the opening hours and stay as long as necessary. DNR staff will be on hand to discuss the potential problems associated with unused crab licenses and listen to input about possible solutions. For more information, call the Blue Crab Hotline at (410) 260-8286.