Crabbing Allowed At Sherwood Mill Pond In Westport: Conservation Dept.

WESTPORT, CT — Despite complaints from some residents to the contrary, crabbing is allowed at Westport Sherwood Mill Pond, according to Conservation Director Colin Kelly.

"As many have seen in local social media and news sites, the Sherwood Mill Pond has become a popular location for crabbing. The Westport Conservation Department reminds Westport residents that the act of crabbing is allowed and is covered by CT DEEP fishing regulations," Kelly wrote in a statement. "People have the legal right to access state waters and fish for Blue Crab. The taking of Blue Crab requires no license, and there is no daily limit during the open season from May 1 – November 30. The Conservation Office does not regulate the taking of crabs from the pond. The Sherwood Mill Pond Advisory Committee and the Shellfish Commission do not have authority to restrict the crabbing, either."

Kelly was quick to add that the town has not ignored the public requests for monitoring and checking on crabbing activity at the pond.

"In fact, the Westport Police Department have conducted more than fifty (50) patrols of Sherwood Mill Pond this summer, Kelly said. "They have interacted with the individuals who are crabbing, they have actively provided education, and they have checked the catches to ensure proper measurements are being followed. The officers have used Infrared cameras to confirm that individuals were taking crabs and that any clams they have seen were dumped. They have worked individually and in conjunction with CT DEEP Encon Police."

Westport police officers have been proactive in responding to calls, "and will continue to provide our Town with this response."

Additionally, police have issued more than 70 parking tickets along Hillspoint Road and the Old Mill parking lot in the last few weeks, according to Kelly, with more than 30 tickets issued on one night.

"The [Westport] Police Department will continue their oversight, including adding additional tactics in the future, to ensure that the laws are followed," Kelly said.

For more information, contact the Westport Conservation Department at 203-341-1170, or visit these websites: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/conservation-department/shellfishing OR https://www.westportct.gov/government/appointed-boards-a-z/sherwood-mill-pond-committee