** APPROVAL OF AGENDA. THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PROPOSED.
1. MINUTES of previous meeting. THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS PROPOSED.
2. PERMITS (Projects over $500,000.00 with no objections and with staff recommendation for approval). NONE.
3. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS. NONE.
4. CLOSED MEETING FOR CONSULTATION WITH, OR BRIEFING BY, COUNSEL. NONE.
5.ROGER EVANS, JR. #24-1089 Requests authorization to construct a 30-foot long by 14-foot wide open-sided single slip boathouse over an existing boat lift, adjacent to property situated along Cod Creek at 485 Clarke Lane in Northumberland County. This project is protested by an adjacent property owner. THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE THE PROJECT AS PROPOSED.
6.PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Eddie Smith, waterman, asked for return of his Commercial Fishermen's Registration License. Mr. Smith transferred it to a family member in 2014 and the family member has not renewed it. Commissioner Green advised Mr. Smith to talk to the Chiefs of Fisheries and Shellfisheries about the delayed entry process and how to enter fisheries.
Ms. Julie Kacmarcik, Virginia resident, spoke about the link between menhaden and osprey populations.
7.PUBLIC HEARING Proposal to amend Chapter 4VAC20-740-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Snagging or Towing of Fish" to allow recreational anglers to snag Atlantic menhaden and mullet species in the Mugel genus (white mullet, striped mullet, and flathead grey mullet). THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO AMEND CHAPTER 4 VAC 20-740-10 ET SEQ., "PERTAINING TO THE SNAGGING OR TOWING OF FISH" TO ALLOW RECREATIONAL ANGLERS TO SNAG ATLANTIC MENHADEN AND MULLET SPECIES IN THE MUGEL GENUS.
8.REQUEST FOR PUBLIC HEARING Staff presentation, public comment opportunity, and Commission discussion to guide the October Commission decision regarding potential regulatory amendments for the winter crab fishery. THE COMMISSION VOTED 4-1 TO ADVERTISE FOR AN OCTOBER PUBLIC HEARING TO AMEND CHAPTER 4VAC20-270 "PERTAINING TO BLUE CRAB FISHERY," TO CLOSE THE 2024-25 CRAB DREDGE FISHERY AND TO EXTEND THE CRAB POT SEASON, WHILE STAFF CONTINUES WORKING TOWARD A FRAMEWORK FOR A CRAB DREDGE FISHERY.
9.DISCUSSION Recommendations from the Recreational Fishing Advisory Board. THE COMMISSION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO RECOMMEND FUNDING 17 OF THE 18 PROPOSED PROJECTS IN ADDITION TO THE SALTWATER TOURNAMENT AND TAGGING PROGRAM INTERIM STAFFING NEEDS, TOTALING $1,110,556 FROM THE VIRGINIA SALTWATER RECREATIONAL FISHING DEVELOPMENT FUND.
