Public Notice:  Proposed Regulations, December 2016

NOTICE

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of amendments to the regulations, as proposed below. By November 28, 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, December 13, 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, December 12, 2016.


I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass,� Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia,� and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Tilefish and Groupers�

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass,� Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia,� and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Tilefish and Groupers,� to streamline and standardize mandatory reporting requirements for recreational fisheries. For spring trophy striped bass, the Commission proposes to institute a vessel-level permit in addition to the individual permit, as well as reduce the number of required pieces of information for mandatory catch reports. For tilefish-grouper, the Commission proposes to reduce the number of required pieces of information for mandatory catch reports. For cobia, the Commission proposes to institute a recreational private vessel permit, a charter vessel permit, and an individual, personal permit as well as set forth mandatory reporting requirements.

The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficiency in the utilization of these fishery resources.


II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees" to enable agency functions to keep pace with rising management costs. If approved by the Commission, these fee increases would be effective December 1, 2017.

Section 28.2-201.4 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Commission to increase fees for tidal fisheries licenses and permits not more frequently than every three years. The last time the Commission raised any commercial gear or other licenses was in 2006. Any fee increase shall be capped at $5.00 or a percentage equal to the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) calculated from the time the fee was last set or adjusted, whichever is greater.

The Commission proposes to increase the fees on 89 commercial licenses and permits. Of those being considered, thirty-seven will be capped at a $5.00 increase and the remaining fifty-two will be raised by the change in the consumer price index. The complete listing of commercial gear and other licenses and permits proposed for a fee increase are provided on the Commission website at:

http://mrc.virginia.gov/Notices/2016/PN_12-2016.shtm  [Click Here for Proposed Fee Increase Listing]

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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 PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.



Back to top

Important Links

VMRC Mobile
Chesapeake Bay Plate
VRSFDF
Buy Recrecational Licenses
Fisherman Identification Program
VMRC Regulations
Recreational Fishing Regulations
Anglers Guide