(a) Dredging for blue crabs is permitted only on unleased shellfish grounds in Delaware Bay. Under no circumstances shall any person operate a dredge for the purpose of taking crabs over leased shellfish grounds, natural oyster beds, public tonging areas or other areas declared off limits to potting or dredging for crabs by the Secretary, pursuant to Chapters 19 through 25 of this title.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to use any hydraulic dredge or mechanical device which employs a vacuum or suction method for the taking or catching or harvesting of crabs from any of the waters under the jurisdiction of this State without the prior written consent of the Department which may be granted for research purposes.
(c) Those crabs of legal size and condition taken by oysterers with a valid oyster harvesting license or by a clammer with a valid commercial dredge clam license while engaged in legal dredging operations may be retained for noncommercial purposes.