The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comments on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By August 6, 2026, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed on the VMRC web calendar at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm.
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 on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Written public comments on the proposals below or on items not on the agenda must be provided by 12:00 noon, Thursday, August 20, 2026. Comments should be made at the following link: https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/fisheries/search_publiccomments.php, or addressed to Public Comments, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620, "Pertaining to Summer Flounder;"
Chapter 4 VAC 20-920, "Pertaining to Landing Licenses;"
Chapter 4 VAC 20-995, “Pertaining to Commercial Hook-and-Line Fishing;”
The Commission proposes to amend the above regulations to remove language requiring vessel license decals.
The purpose of these amendments is to remove license marking requirements in accordance with amendments to §28.2-234 of the Code of Virginia and reduce regulatory burden.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-890, “Pertaining to Channeled Whelk”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-890, “Pertaining to Channeled Whelk,” to remove language requiring vessel license decals, clarify gear marking requirements, allow agenting of channeled whelk pot licenses, and clarify existing language.
The purpose of these amendments is to remove license marking requirements in accordance with amendments to §28.2-234 of the Code of Virginia, reduce regulatory burden, and modify language for law enforcement clarity.
II. Chapter 4VAC20-720, “Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-720, “Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest" to establish the 2026-2027 areas of public harvest, public oyster harvest seasons, and oyster resource conservation measures.
In accordance with Section 28.2-203, 28-2-506, and 28.2-524 of the Code of Virginia, the purpose of these amendments is to manage the Virginia public oyster fishery for sustainable harvest and to prevent overfishing.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE MICHELE GUILFORD (757-247-2206) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
