Finding a Tagged Jonah Crab Could Net You $1,000

SALEM, MA — If you come across a Jonah crab while on the shore over the next year, stop and take a look. You could be in for a cash prizefrom the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries(MDMF) and the Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen's Association (AOLA).

MDMF and AOLA have tagged crabs with a green t-bar tag and orange knuckle tags with "AOLA."The groups are tagging Jonah crabs to investigate the species' migration patterns and growth.

Members of the public who find the tagged crabs are asked to record the date of discovery, location, tag number, crab sex, egg status and whether you kept or released the animals. The public is also asked to measure the carapace width of crabs with green tags, if possible.

Every tag report will qualify as one raffle entry, which will be drawn on July 1 in 2017 and 2018. First place will win $500, second will win $300 and third will win $300.

Green tag reports with measurements will be additionally entered into high value cash raffles on July 1 in 2017 and 2018. First place will earn $1,000 and second will earn $500.

If you haul a tagged crab, please release it and contact the number below. Members of the public who discover tagged crabs are also asked to contact.(774)251-9454 or email heidi@offshorelobster.org.

Image via the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.