The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By August 9, 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, August 24, 2021, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
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, August 18, 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 20-720-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest" and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1250-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Tagging of Shellfish"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest" and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1250-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Tagging of Shellfish" to establish the 2020-2021 areas of public harvest, public oyster harvest seasons, oyster resource conservation measures and to clarify when shellfish must be tagged by a certified dealer.
In accordance with Section 28.2-203 and Section 28-2-801 of the Code of Virginia, the purpose of these amendments is to manage the Virginia public oyster fishery for sustainable harvest, to prevent overfishing, and protect public health.
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 establish fall 2021 commercial offshore summer flounder fishery management measures and to prohibit transfer of summer flounder between vessels at sea in accordance with interstate and federal regulations.
The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization and economic stability for this resource and maintain compliance with federal and interstate regulations.
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.
