The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By July 13, 2020 the proposed draft regulations may be viewed on the VMRC web calendar at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm.
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a special public hearing by electronic communication means on the proposed amendments to these regulations will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, at 9:30 AM. In consideration of Governor Northam�s Executive Orders and public safety, the public may only participate in this meeting via video/audio conference. All persons interested in commenting are highly encouraged to submit written comments prior to the meeting. The Virginia Marine Resources Commission may meet by electronic communication means without a quorum of the public body or any member of the governing board physically assembled at one location as the Governor has declared a state of emergency in accordance with � 44-146.17.
Public comments on the proposal should be provided to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, by 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 23, 2020. Those requesting to provide public comment on items not on the agenda, or provide written comment on any of the public hearings must send an email to fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov with the subject heading "Commission Comments" by 12 p.m. on July 27, 2020.
Further instructions for electronic meeting participation, public call-in information, and the meeting web link will also be provided at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm in advance of the electronic meeting.
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-280-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Speckled Trout and Red Drum"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-280-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Speckled Trout and Red Drum" to modify seafood buyer reporting requirements for purchases of speckled trout during the period of August 1 through November 30 of each year.
The purpose of these amendments is to address the need for improved reporting for the management of the commercial speckled trout fishery.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC 20-252-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass" to require the use of non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing for striped bass recreationally with bait, to clarify that the captain or operator of any recreational boat or vessel shall be responsible for any minimum or maximum size limits, and to repeal section 4VAC 20-252-115 Exemptions from size limits and closed fishing seasons for recreational striped bass fishing tournaments.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with the Fisheries Management Plan for this species and to modify language for law enforcement clarity.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees" to establish a license fee for the new Commercial Electrofishing License.
The purpose of this amendment is to establish a license fee associated with the commercial usage of electrofishing gear.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE ELLEN BOLEN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (757-247-2269) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
