(A) The department annually may set the season for taking blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) by trawling between December 1 of one year through March 31 of the following year, inclusive. It is unlawful to trawl for crabs during the closed season.
(B) Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two thousand dollars and not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than thirty days. Any catch aboard or under control of the fisherman or other person at the time of the violation is contraband and must be seized and disposed of as provided in this chapter.