The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By October 9, 2025, 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, October 28, 2025, 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 11:59 p.m., Thursday, October 23, 2025. 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.
The Commission may review Shellfish Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. 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 2025-2026 areas of public harvest, public oyster harvest seasons, oyster resource conservation measures, and an oyster user fee transfer exception.
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.
II. Chapter 4VAC20-650, “Establishment of Oyster Sanctuary Areas”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-650, “Establishment of Oyster Sanctuary Areas" to make non-substantive administrative language updates.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 ensure regulatory language remains accurate and consistent with current agency structure as outlined in 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.
