The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to Regulations 4 VAC 20-430-10 ET SEQ., "Pertaining to the Marking and Minimum Mesh Size of Gill Nets".
Purpose: The purpose of the proposed amendments, listed below, is to allow gill net fishermen regulatory flexibility in their harvest of river herring from upriver areas.
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed amendments will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, April 27, 1999, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to: Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, VA 23607. A copy of the proposed regulation may be reviewed at the Commission during Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 P.M. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposed regulation may call the Commission at (757) 247-2248.
A proposed amendment to Section 60 (MINIMUM MESH SIZE) of Regulation 4 VAC 20-430-10 et seq. to allow for an exception to the 2 7/8-inch stretched, minimum gill net mesh size. This exception shall allow fishermen to place, set and fish gill nets with stretched mesh no less than 2 inches, for the harvest of river herring (alewife, blueback herring), in the following upriver areas, from February 1 through April 30.
1. James River: Upstream from a line connecting College Creek and Hog Point.
2. York River: Upstream from a line connecting the southern most point of the northern headland of Poropotank Bay and Croaker Landing.
3. Rappahannock River: Upstream from a line connecting Greenvale Creek and Weeks Creek.
*********************
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (757) 247-2248 NO LESS THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TIME AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEED.
