The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of amendments to the regulations, as proposed below. By October 17, 2016, the proposed draft regulations may 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 amendments to these regulations will be held no earlier than 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, 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, October 31, 2016.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder�
During its September 27th Commission meeting, the Commission adopted emergency amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder,� that establish fall 2016 commercial offshore summer flounder fishery management measures that include a later season start date and lower Virginia landing limit than last fall. The Commission proposes to make these emergency amendments a part of the final regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder.�
The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this fishery resource.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest�
During its September 27th Commission meeting, the Commission adopted emergency amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest,� that clarified requirements for transferring eligibility for payment of the oyster resource user fee. The Commission proposes to make these emergency amendments a part of the final regulation Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest.�
The purpose of this amendment is to manage the Virginia public oyster resource for sustainable harvest and to prevent overfishing.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks,� that establishes criteria for at-sea processing of smooth dogfish in state waters.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with Addendum IV to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission�s Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Coastal Sharks by January1, 2017.
IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks,� to establish an alternative trip limit for the commercial spiny dogfish fishery. The current vessel possession and landing limit of 5,000 pounds is proposed to be modified to allow for a five percent tolerance and, should less than eighty percent of the total seasonal quota be landed by February 15, 2017, the possession and landing limit will be increased to 6,000 pounds.
The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this fishery resource.
V. Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass,� to streamline buyer reporting requirements.
The purpose of this amendment is to remove outdated reporting requirements for striped bass buyer permittees.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE JANE MCCROSKEY (757-247-2215) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
