The Code of Virginia

Finfish Regulations

Blue Crab Regulations

Oyster Regulations

Shellfish Regulations

Commercial News and Info

Upcoming Agency Meetings

NMFS Info on Federal Fisheries

Waterman's Apprentice Program

Tautog Tagging

VA Marine Products Board

NMFS Commercial Landings Statistics

Agency News - Recent regulatory actions, commercial fishery opening and closing announcements, and other Commission news.

Pound Net Siting Public Notices - Opportunities for public comment on new pound net locations requested by commercial fishermen.

Watermen's Associations - A list of watermen's associations in Virginia.

Summer Flounder Commercial Notices - Notices of open periods and landing limits for the Virginia Directed Offshore Summer Flounder Fishery.

Menhaden Memorandum of Understanding - An MOU between the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Menhaden Purse Seine Fisheries.

Commercial Fishing Licenses, Permits, and Registration

License List and Fees

Where to Buy Licenses

Update Your Email of Phone Number

Entering or Exiting the Commercial Fishery

Commercial License Advertisements

Forms and Applications

More Information

Special Permit and Limited Entry Requirements - Commercial fishing related to certain species, gear types, and fishing areas require special permits or eligibility. Click here for eligibility requirements and staff contact information.

Fixed Fishing Device Licensing - Licensing information related to pound nets, staked gill nets, fyke nets, and crab pound nets and traps.

Estate Planning for Commercial Licenses - How to transfer commercial fishing licenses after the death of a loved one.

Mandatory Harvest Reporting

If you have questions about harvest reporting or to have paper forms mailed to you, please contact Mandatory Harvest Reporting staff directly at MHR@mrc.virginia.gov or call 1-800-937-9247 or 757-247-2241

Staff at the Mathews Memorial Library can assist you with reporting online. See information below: Greg S. Lewis Head, Technical Services Mathews Memorial Library Phone: 804-725-5747 Email: greglewis@mathewslibrary.org Address: 251 Main Street Mathews, VA Hours of operation: Mon-Fri (9am-5pm); Sat (10am-2pm); Sun (1pm-3pm)

Commercial Blue Crab Information

Blue Crab Regulations

Seasons, Bushel Limits, and Time of Day

Sanctuary Map

License Transfer, Agent, and Alt Hours Forms

Crab Pot Buoy Marking

Buy or Sell Crabbing Licenses

More Useful Information

Virginia Stranding Team Hotline - (757) 385-7575
If you encounter a stranded, injured, or entangled sea turtle or marine mammal, call the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team. Do not approach the animal.

Harmful Algal Bloom Hotline - (888) 238-6154
To report a potentially harmful algae bloom, call the Virginia Department of Health or report online.

CDC Commercial Fishing Workplace Safety
Safety tips, statistics, and resources on commercial fishing workplace hazards from The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

National Fisherman News
A national news publication about the US commercial fishing industry