The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By June 6, 2024, 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, June 25, 2024, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Written public comments on the Fisheries Management Division proposals or on fisheries items not on the agenda must be provided by 12:00 p.m., Thursday, June 20, 2024, to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, or sent by email to fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov with the subject heading “Commission Comments”.
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery,” to establish management measures, including season and bushel limits, for the 2024-2025 commercial crab fisheries and to amend the daily time limits for commercial harvest.
The purpose of these amendments is to conserve the blue crab resource and to increase time-of-day flexibility for commercial crabbers.
II. Chapter 4VAC20-1140-10 et seq., “Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1140-10 et seq., “Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters” to close the December 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, winter commercial crab dredge fishing season, in accordance with the provisions of Section 28.2-707 of the Code of Virginia.
The purpose of this closure is to conserve the blue crab resource.
III. Chapter 4VAC20-140-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Identification and Location of Crab Pots, Peeler Pots, Eel Pots, and Fish Pots”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-140-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Identification and Location of Crab Pots, Peeler Pots, Eel Pots, and Fish Pots” to clarify the height required for identifying information on crab and eel pot buoys as described in Section 28.2-712 of the Code of Virginia.
The purpose of these amendments is to clarify existing language in accordance with Section 28.2-712 of the Code of Virginia.
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.
