The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By April 12, 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, April 27, 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, April 21, 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 4VAC20-950-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-950-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass," to establish the 2021 recreational fishery management measures. The 2021 recreational black sea bass fishing season will extend from May 15 through May 31 and June 16 through December 31, 2021.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with the federal and interstate management plan for this species. The May 15 through December 31 fishing season must be shortened by 15 days to account for 15,326 pounds of black sea bass landed in the February 2021 recreational fishing season.
II. Chapter 4VAC20-252-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-252-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass" to establish a definition of bait as it pertains the use of non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing recreationally and to clarify existing language relevant to reporting and commercial fisheries.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with the Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for this species and to modify language for law enforcement clarity.
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.
