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, March 23, 2021, 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.
Written public comments on the Fisheries Management Division proposals or on fisheries items not on the agenda must be provided by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2021 to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, or sent by email to fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov with the subject heading "Commission Comments".
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 20-1370-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Croaker" and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1380-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Spot"
The Commission proposes to establish Chapters 4 VAC 20-1370-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Croaker" and 4 VAC 20-1380-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Spot", to implement a commercial season, a 50-fish recreational bag limit, and an additional live bait allowance for charter/for-hire captains for both Atlantic croaker and spot.
The purpose of the establishment of these regulations are to comply with the Fishery Management Plans for both species through the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-380-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Grey Trout (Weakfish)"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-380-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Grey Trout (Weakfish)", to clarify existing language relevant to commercial and recreational fisheries.
The purpose of this amendment is to promote language consistency and clarify intent of the existing regulation.
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.
