Publice Notice: Pertaining to Haul Seines

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites written, public comment on a proposed regulation for haul seines, and possible management measures are shown below.

In accordance with §28.2-211 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments was held on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 at the Marine Resources Commission. In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, the Commission will continue to receive written comments on this matter through July 21, 2003, and a final decision will be made at the Tuesday, July 22, 2003 Commission Meeting. Any comments should be mailed to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607. Copies of the proposed amendments may be reviewed at the Commission Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may be obtained by calling the Commission at (757) 247-2248.

PROPOSED

Regulation 4 VAC 20-1070-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Haul Seines."

The Commission proposes to establish a regulation to regulate the use of a haul seine. The proposed regulation may include, but shall not be limited to, any of the following requirements:

1) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess aboard a vessel, place or set in the water, or encircle and enclose any haul seine with a total length of netting that exceeds 1000 yards.

2) It shall be unlawful for any person to tie together, and to set or fish, two or more haul seines with a combined total length of netting that exceeds 1000 yards.

3) It shall be unlawful for any person to tow a haul seine, between two vessels, so that it operates as a long haul seine, trawl or pair trawl. When setting a haul seine with more than one vessel, it shall be unlawful for any person to tow a haul seine through the water in an open fashion for any period of time that is longer than necessary to encircle or close the net.

4) It shall be unlawful for any person to use more than two vessels to set, encircle, and enclose any haul seine.

5) It shall be unlawful for any person to use more than one vessel to set the haul seine.

6) It shall be unlawful to use a haul seine that does not have one end stationary at all times.

7) It shall be unlawful to use any haul seine in any area that contains Submerged Aquatic Vegetation.

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS 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 NEEDS.


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