The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By November 26, 2018, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, 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 11, 2018, 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 10, 2018.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest,"
On October 30, 2018, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission adopted, under its emergency regulatory authority (Section 28.2-210 of the Code of Virginia), amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest,� that adjusted the opening dates of Rappahannock Area 3 from January 1, 2019 through February 28, 2019 to November 12, 2018 through January 10, 2019. At the same meeting, the Commission lowered the bushel limit in the patent tong areas from ten bushels to eight bushels per legally licensed harvester.
The purpose of these amendments is to conserve the oyster resource and its fishery.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1180-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Fishing Guides"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1180-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Fishing Guides,� to establish the exact number of Class A fishing guide licenses available for purchase from the Commission each year.
The purpose of this amendment is to improve this licensing process and administrative oversight.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE ELLEN BOLEN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (757-247-2269) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
