Public Notice: Pertaining to American Shad

NOTICE

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on a proposed amendment to Regulation 4 VAC 20-530-10 et seq., "Pertaining to American Shad."

The proposed amendment, described below, allows for a limited, exploratory fishery for American shad in the York River System.

In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed amendment will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, December 21, 1998, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.  Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to:  Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, Virginia 23607. A copy of the proposed regulation may be reviewed at the Commission during Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposed regulation may call the Commission at (757) 247-2248.

PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT: The purpose of the amendment is to initiate a limited fishery for American shad in the York River and to provide an opportunity to collect additional scientific information on the status of the York River stock of American shad.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

1. Any registered waterman who held a 1993 VMRC permit to harvest American shad and who has a history of fishing in the York River system may qualify to participate in the proposed exploratory fishery for American shad.

2. Each fisherman shall be limited to two nets each not to exceed 600 feet in length.

3. The season for the fishery shall be March 1 through April 30.

4. Fishing for American shad shall be limited to Wednesday through Friday of each week during the lawful season. 

In addition to the above, the Commission will consider other measures, including further limiting the level of participation in the exploratory fishery, establishing a shorter fishing season, requiring the daily reporting of all harvested and tagged fish, closing certain portions of the York River system to the fishery, restricting the types of nets which may be used, and implementing other means of collecting scientific information on the York River stock of American shad. The public is invited to comment on any of these measures.

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU ARE IN REASONABLE NEED OF A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (757) 247-2248 NO LESS THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TIME AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEED.

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