March 25, 2025: Results of the March VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Draft Minutes ]
February 26, 2025: Results of the February VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Final Minutes ]
February 18, 2025: The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced an emergency closure of portions of the James River to shellfish harvesting due to significant river flooding. Because floodwaters can be contaminated with pollutants such as pathogenic bacteria and viruses, shellfish taken from the area affected by the emergency closure will be unacceptable for consumption. The temporary emergency closure will be effective from February 20 to March 1, 2025. [ Emergency Condemnation Notice ]
February 13, 2025: We want to hear from you! Virginia's Artificial Reef Program plays a crucial role in supporting marine life and enhancing recreational opportunities. Your feedback helps us improve and guide the future of this vital program. Please take a moment to complete our survey and share your thoughts on how we can make Virginia’s artificial reefs even better! [ Survey ]
January 28, 2025: Results of the January VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Final Minutes ]
January 17, 2025: Blue Ribbon Oyster Panel - 1/27/25, 1:00 PM: The upcoming meeting of the Blue Ribbon Oyster Panel will focus on advancing sustainable strategies for managing Virginia’s oyster resources. The Panel will prioritize reviewing the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement Oyster Outcome and aligning with the Chesapeake Bay Program Beyond 2025 timeline. Key discussion topics will include increasing oyster production, expanding habitat, ensuring sustainable harvests, and enhancing water quality. The meeting will also explore new restoration ideas, refine management approaches, and ensure a shared understanding of current policies and tools to support the long-term health of the Commonwealth’s oyster resources. The meeting will be held on January 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Patrick Henry Building, 1111 E. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
January 16, 2025: Virginia will open its Directed Offshore Summer Flounder Fishery for 2 periods beginning Thursday February 20, 2025. The landing limit for the Offshore (EEZ) Fishery from Thursday February 20 through Thursday March 20, 2025, will be 12,500 pounds. Vessels may land a maximum of 12,500 pounds for the entire period of February 20 through March 20, 2025. The landing limit for the Offshore (EEZ) Fishery from Friday March 21 through Monday April 21, 2025, will be 12,500 pounds. Vessels may land a maximum of 12,500 pounds for the entire period of March 21 through April 21, 2025. Please see attached notice for further information. [ Notice ]
January 14, 2025: A Petition for Rulemaking pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden was posted on Town Hall, and the Registrar’s office opened a public comment period of 1/13/2025 to 2/3/2025. Pubic comments can be submitted here.
January 14, 2025: The Commonwealth of Virginia is seeking qualified individuals for nominations to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (www.mafmc.org). Please see notice for more information and for nomination application kit. [ Notice ]
January 9, 2025: Effective 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the 2025 Virginia commercial croaker fishery will open. The season will remain open until December 31, 2025. [ Notice ]
January 2, 2025: Interested in the special recreational black sea bass season this February? The free permit for vessel captains is now available online or from your local MRC licensing agent. Find out more about permitting and reporting requirements for the February black sea bass season here.
December 20, 2024: Effective 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the Virginia commercial croaker fishery will close. Therefore, after 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, January 1, 2025, it shall be unlawful for any commercial fisherman registration licensee to harvest or land croaker until the season opens on January 15, 2025. [ Notice ]
December 6, 2024: Effective 12:01 A.M., Sunday, December 8, 2024, the 2024 Virginia commercial spot fishery will close. Therefore, 12:01 A.M., Sunday, December 8, 2024, it shall be unlawful for any commercial fisherman registration licensee to harvest or land spot for the remainder of 2024. The commercial spot fishery will remain closed until April 15, 2025. [ Notice ]
December 3, 2024: Results of the Combination November and December VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Final Minutes ]
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