Public Notice:  Proposed Regulations, September 2019

NOTICE

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By September 9, 2019, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, 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 on Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia. Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, September 23, 2019.

The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.

I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass"

On August 27, 2019, 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 20-252-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass," that lower the recreational possession limit in the Chesapeake Bay area and establish the commercial gill net maximum mesh size requirements in the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal areas.

The purpose of these amendments is to begin to address the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Management (ASMFC) requirements for states to reduce overfishing of the striped bass stocks.

II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder,� to establish fall 2019 commercial offshore summer flounder fishery management measures.

The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization and economic stability for this resource.

III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder,� to revise the minimum size limit for commercial hook-and-line gear.

The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this resource, in consideration of its stock condition.

IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-540-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-540-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Spanish Mackerel and King Mackerel,� to establish closure procedures in state waters for the Spanish mackerel commercial fishery to coincide with federal waters closures as announced by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.

The purpose of these amendments is to comply with the federal fishery management plan for this species.

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.

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