Public Notice:  Proposed Regulations, May 2013

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of the regulation, as proposed below.  By May 13, 2013 the proposed draft regulation can be viewed at the Commission offices or on the Commission website at the following address:  http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm

In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held at 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.  Written comments on the proposals should be provided to Robert L. O’Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 12:00 p.m., Monday May 27, 2013. 

Chapter 4VAC20-1090-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and Licensing Fees”. 

The purpose of the amendments is to provide licensing requirements and fees, for any harvester, buyer or shucker of oysters from public grounds or commercial aquaculture operation.  The fees, established by Sections 28.2-228 and 28.2-541 of the Code of Virginia become effective July 1, 2013 and provide for an enhanced source of revenue, for oyster replenishment, than current tax systems that inhibit oyster replenishment and will expire July 1, 2013.

Oyster user fees: 

By hand, harvester $50 
By gear, harvester $300 (this fee allows for multiple gear use) 

Shucking or packing houses, up to: 

1,000 gallons of oysters, or $500
> 1,000 to 10,000 gallons $1,000
> 10,000 to 25,000 gallons $2,000
> 25,000 gallons $4,000

Oyster Buyer Using: 
Single truck or location   $100
Multiple trucks or locations $300

Commercial aquaculture operation, on riparian or general oyster planting grounds    $50
                
Buyer of oysters from catcher from public grounds or Potomac River:
For a single place of business with one boat or motor vehicle for buying oysters, and  $50
For a single place of business with multiple boats or vehicles for buying oysters.  $100

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE BETTY WARREN (757-247-2248) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.



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