The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By April 9, 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, April 24, 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, April 23, 2018.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Sharks," that would: 1) establish the May 1, 2018 through April 30, 2019 commercial spiny dogfish harvest quota as 4,123,239 pounds; and, 2) modify harvest limits.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with the interstate management plan for this species.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-752-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Blue Crab Sanctuary"
The Commission will consider a proposal that would establish a start date of May 16, rather than May 9, when it would be unlawful for any person to conduct certain crabbing activities in areas 2, 3 and 4 of the Blue Crab Sanctuary. Currently, areas 2 and 4 prohibit any commercial crabbing from May 9 through September 15, while area 3 prohibits recreational and commercial crabbing from May 9 through September 15. If this proposal is adopted it would require an amendment to Chapter 4 VAC 20-752-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Blue Crab Sanctuary.�
The purpose of this proposal is to minimize regulatory burdens and help alleviate user conflicts, without negatively impacting the blue crab spawning potential.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Tilefish and Grouper"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Tilefish and Grouper," to establish the 2018 recreational season and possession limits for Blueline Tilefish that complement federal waters measures.
The purpose of the amendment is to establish regulations in Virginia waters to ensure conservation and enforcement of the Federal Management Plan for Blueline Tilefish.
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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.
