NOTICE
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-880-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Hard Crab and Peeler Pot License Sales." The purposes of the proposed amendments are 1) to limit the number of crab pot and peeler pot licenses issued annually, 2) to prevent further capitalization in the fishery, and 3) to permit a small number of fishermen to upgrade from 100 crab pots to 300 crab pots.
The Commission proposes the following amendments:
1) To allow persons previously holding a "300 crab pot" license or a "crab pot with assistant license" for at least four years during the period 1987 through 1994 to upgrade their current 100 crab pot license to 300 pots.
2) To eliminate the provisions contained in 4 VAC 20-880-40, Section A, paragraphs 2, 3, 4, and 5 which establish prior conditions to receive a 100 crab pot license or a peeler pot license. These conditions are currently:
a) holding a crab pot license or peeler pot license in any two years from 1990 through 1994.
b) regular employment in 1995 as a mate or crew member on a vessel which engaged in crab potting or peeler potting, and
c) an existing significant hardship for the license applicant.
3) The Commission is interested in alternative amendments suggested by the public to limit crabbing effort, to control the sale of crab licenses, and to allow for upgrades of 100 pot licenses to a larger license. The Commission will consider all such suggestions prior to adopting any final measure and may modify the provisions contained in 1 and 2, above, in response to public comment.
In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 1998 at 12:00 Noon at the office of the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments should be provided to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, Virginia, 23607, prior to 12:00 noon on April 28, 1998. Copies of the proposed regulation may be reviewed and copied at the offices of the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, during Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposal may call the Commission at (757) 247-2248.
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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.
