The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulation, as shown below. By April 13, 2020 the proposed draft regulation 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 special public hearing by electronic communication means on the proposed amendments to this regulation will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, at 9:30 AM. In consideration of Governor Northam�s Executive Order 55 and public safety, Commission members and the public may only participate in this meeting via video/audio conference. No one will be allowed to attend the meeting in person in accordance with Executive Order 55 prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more individuals. All persons interested in commenting are highly encouraged to submit written comments prior to the meeting.
Public comments on the proposal should be provided to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, by 12:00 p.m., Thursday, April 23, 2020. Comments can also be emailed to fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov with the subject heading �menhaden� and will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on April 27, 2020.
Further instructions for electronic meeting participation, public call-in information, and the meeting YouTube livestream web link will also be provided at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm in advance of the electronic meeting.
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden� related to the transfer of management authority of the species from the General Assembly to VMRC.
Click here for Draft Regulation
The purpose of this regulation is to be in compliance with the ASMFC Atlantic menhaden fishery management plan and avoid a moratorium of the fishery effective June 17, 2020.
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.
