The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By March 12, 2018, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.
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 no earlier than 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Robert L. O�Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, March 26, 2018.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1230-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Shellfish�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1230-10 et. seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Shellfish,� to change the required recertification time interval for Shellfish Harvest Safety Training Certification.
The purpose of this amendment is to conform to National Shellfish Sanitation Program guidelines.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder�
The Commission will review and take action on a proposal to lower the current recreational summer flounder minimum size limit from 17 inches to 16 � inches.
The purpose of the amendment is to achieve conformity with interstate, coast-wide management measures for this resource.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder�
The Commission will review and take action on a proposal to allow New Jersey vessels that possess summer flounder, harvested commercially from federal waters, to enter Virginia waters but not offload summer flounder in Virginia. Currently, North Carolina vessels are afforded this allowance.
The purpose of the amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this resource.
IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia," to adopt commercial and recreational fishing regulations required by the recently approved Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management plan for cobia.
The purpose of these amendments is to comply with the interstate management plan for this species.
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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.
