The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of amendments to regulations, as proposed below. By April 13, 2015, the proposed draft regulations can be viewed at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held at 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Robert L. O’Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, April 27, 2015.
On March 24, 2015, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission adopted, under its emergency regulatory authority (Section 28.2-210 of The Code of Virginia), emergency amendments to four separate chapters, as described below. The Commission proposes to establish these Chapters’ emergency amendments as parts of final regulations:
1) Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass”
The Commission proposes a final regulation that will increase the minimum size limit from 32-inches to 36-inches, for the trophy-size striped bass recreational fisheries in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and Coastal Area. The purpose of the amendment is to comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species
2) Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq. “Pertaining to License Requirements and License Fees”
The Commission proposes a final regulation to reinstate recreational fishing license fees to previous, lower October 2014 amounts. The purpose is to minimize previously established regulatory economic burdens.
3) Chapter 4 VAC 20-1280-10 et seq. “Pertaining to License Revocations”
The Commission proposes a final regulation to establish penalties for individuals who violate a Commission-issued revocation of fishing licenses or fishing privileges. The purpose of the regulation is to minimize damage to the seafood industry or public health.
4) Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq. “Pertaining to Summer Flounder”
The Commission proposes a final regulation that will close the summer flounder commercial offshore fishery on April 19, 2015. The purpose of the amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this resource.
Chapter 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Black Sea Bass”
The Commission proposes to establish the 2015 recreational season for black sea bass, as May 15 through September 21 and October 22 through December 31. The 2015 season will begin 4 days earlier in May and 4 days later in October, as compared to 2014. The purpose of the amendment is to comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species.
Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden” to establish the 2015 commercial non-purse seine menhaden bait sector quota as 4,629,542 pounds. This is a quota reduction to account for the 2014 quota landings overage of this sector. The purpose of the amendments is to comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan requirements for Atlantic menhaden.
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