The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the proposed amendments to the regulations listed below.
In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2005. Copies of the proposed amendments may be reviewed at the Commission Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may be obtained by calling the Commission at (757) 247-2248.
I. Request for permit by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to deploy 42,000 triploid Crassostrea ariakensis oysters in cages, to determine growth and survival rates, under various treatments. A permit for the placement of non-native oysters in Virginia waters is required by Section 28.2-825 of the Code of Virginia.
II. Regulation 4 VAC 20-110-10 Et Seq., “Pertaining to Lobsters”
The proposed amendments would increase the minimum carapace length, from 3 ¼ inches to 3 3/8 inches, and establish a maximum carapace length of 5 ½ inches for female lobsters, for any lobsters landed in Virginia. The purpose of these amendments is to achieve compliance with Addendum III to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster.
III. Regulation 4 VAC 20-910-10 Et Seq., “Pertaining to Scup (Porgy)”
The proposed amendment would increase the Virginia summer fishing period (May 1 through October 31) quota, from 5,040 pounds to 7,862 pounds. The purpose of this amendment is to achieve compliance with the interstate fishery management plan for scup.
IV. Regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 Et Seq., “Pertaining to Summer Flounder”
The proposed amendment would extend the safe harbor provision for vessels participating in the offshore, commercial summer flounder to the Virginia portion of the Intracoastal Waterway. The purpose of the amendment is to increase safety of vessels that land summer flounder in other states.
*************************************************
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (757) 247-2248 NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
