MD HB446

Establishes the Invasive Blue Catfish Pilot Program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources and the Invasive Catfish Advisory Committee, to curb the spread of invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries

Creates two main program components: the For-Hire/Commercial Blue Catfish Program allowing simultaneous for-hire and commercial fishing trips, and the Mid- and Lower-Bay Blue Catfish Trotline Program authorizing finfish trotlines south of the Bay Bridge

Requires the Department to consider expanded harvesting methods including electrofishing, trotlines up to 2,400 feet in length, unlimited hooks per trotline, and non-corrodible hooks

Mandates a report to the Governor and General Assembly on findings and recommendations by December 1, 2025

Enacted as an emergency measure effective upon approval (April 22, 2025) and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2026