The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By November 22, 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, December 7, 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, December 1, 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 20-1270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden"POSTPONED
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden�, to establish the 2022 Total Allowable Catch per Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden and to establish all associated fishery sector allocations in response.
The purpose of these amendments is comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1230-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Shellfish� and Chapter 4 VAC 20-754-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Importation of Fish, Shellfish or Crustacea into Virginia�s Waters�
The Commission proposes to amend Chapters 4 VAC 20-1230-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Shellfish� and 4 VAC 20-754-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Importation of Fish, Shellfish or Crustacea into Virginia�s Waters� to modify the list of approved states, waters and species, and criteria necessary for the importation of fish, shellfish and crustacean for introduction into Virginia waters and to extend the public health and warm water harvest restrictions for shellfish into the month of October.
The purpose of these amendments is to protect public health and prevent the introduction of novel shellfish pathogens into Virginia waters.
III. 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 allow the Commission to establish by public announcement landing dates, possession limits, and landing limits for summer flounder commercially harvested offshore (federal waters) and landed in Virginia and to amend language relating to quota monitoring.
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 MICHELE GUILFORD (757-247-2206) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
