The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By June 7, 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 public hearing on the proposed amendments to these regulations will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia. This is the first in-person meeting to be held following prior electronic meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the June meeting will be held in person, only members of the public who are attending the meeting will be permitted to enter the building at this time.
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, June 16, 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".
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery" to establish management measures, including season and bushel limits, for the 2021-2022 commercial crab fishery.
The purpose of these amendments is to conserve the blue crab resource, while accounting for annual variations in its abundance.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1140-10 et seq., "Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1140-10 et seq., "Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters" to close the December 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022 winter commercial crab dredge fishing season, in accordance with the provisions of Section 28.2-707 of the Code of Virginia.
The purpose of this closure is to conserve spawning potential of the blue crab population.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-700-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Crab Pots" and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining To Licensing Requirements and License Fees"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-700-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Crab Pots" and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees" to require terrapin excluder devices (TEDs) in all recreational crab pots.
The purpose of these amendments is to protect against loss of terrapins as bycatch in recreational crab pots.
IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20- 610-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Commercial Fishing and Mandatory Harvest Reporting"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-610-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Commercial Fishing and Mandatory Harvest Reporting" to require mandatory online harvest reporting for blue crabs.
The purpose of this amendment is to increase reporting efficiency and provide more accurate and timely harvest information for the blue crab fishery.
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.
