VIRGINIA MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
"PERTAINING TO RED DRUM"
REGULATION 4VAC 20-1400-10 ET SEQ.
PREAMBLE
This chapter establishes minimum size limits and possession limits for the taking or possession of red drum by commercial and recreational fishermen. This chapter is designed to assure that Virginia is consistent with all federal and interstate management measures for red drum. The goal of these management measures is to perpetuate the red drum resources in fishable abundance throughout their range and generate the greatest possible economic and social benefits from their harvest and utilization over time.
This chapter is promulgated pursuant to the authority contained in § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia. The effective date of this chapter is September 1, 2021.
4VAC20-1400-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the spawning stocks of red drum, maintain the target fishing mortality rate, and to increase yield in the fishery. This chapter is designed to be consistent with federal and interstate management measures.
4VAC20-1400-20. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
"Red drum" means any fish of the species Sciaenops ocellatus.
"Snout" means the most forward projection from a fish’s head that includes the upper and lower jaw.
"Total length" means the length of a fish measured from the most forward projection of the snout, with the mouth closed, to the tip of the longer lobe of the tail (caudal) fin, measured with the tail compressed along the midline using a straight-line measure, not measured over the curve of the body.
4VAC20-1400-30. Recreational Size and Possession Limits.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally with any gear type to take, catch, or possess any red drum less than 18 inches in total length or greater than 26 inches in total length.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally with any gear type to possess more than three red drum.
4VAC20-1400-40. Commercial Size and Possession Limits.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to take, catch, or possess any red drum less than 18 inches in total length or greater than 25 inches in total length.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially with any gear type to possess more than five red drum.
4VAC20-1400-50. Penalty.
Pursuant to §28.2-903 of the Code of Virginia, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this chapter committed by the same person within 12 months of a prior violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
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This is to certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate copy of the chapter passed by the Marine Resources Commission, pursuant to authority vested in the Commission by §28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia, duly advertised according to statute, and recorded in the Commission's minute book, at meeting held in Hampton, Virginia on July 27, 2021.
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
BY: _____________________________
Steven G. Bowman
Commissioner
Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______ day of August 2021.
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Notary Public
