The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By January 11, 2021, 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, January 26, 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, January 20, 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 20-950-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass", to modify the reporting requirements for the February recreational season and to clarify the size of the degradable panel required on commercial fish pots.
The purpose of these amendments is comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder", to modify the landing dates, possession limits and landing limits for summer flounder commercially harvested offshore (federal waters) and landed in Virginia.
The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization and economic stability for this resource.
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.
