Public Notice: Pertaining to the Catching of Eels

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on adoption of a proposed amendment to Regulation 4 VAC 20-500-10 et seq.  "Pertaining to the Catching of Eels", as a permanent part of this regulation.

This proposed amendment pertains to the requirement for eel pots to contain escape panels. Eel pot escape panels have been required, since January 2, 1991.

The current regulation establishes the minimum mesh size for eel pots as 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch and makes it unlawful for any person to place, set or fish any 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch mesh rectangular or square eel pot, unless such pot contains at least two unrestricted 4-inch by 4-inch escape panels consisting of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh, one panel located in the lower side and one panel in the upper portion of the pot.  In addition, the current regulation makes it unlawful for any person to place, set or fish any 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch mesh cylindrical eel pot, unless such pot contains at least one unrestricted 4-inch square escape panel of 1/2-inch by 1-inch mesh located in the rear portion of the pot.

The amendment proposes to eliminate the requirement for eel pots to contain escape panels.

In accordance with §;28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the adoption of this proposed regulation as a permanent regulation will be held at 12:00 noon on February 25, 1997 at the office of the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.  Written comments should be provided to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, VA, 23607, prior to 12:00 noon on February 24, 1997.  Copies of the proposed regulation may be reviewed and copied at the offices of the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, during Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposal may call the Commission at (804) 247-2248.

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (804) 247-2248 NO LESS THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TIME AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEED.

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