The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the proposed amendments to the regulations listed below.
In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held at 12:00 Noon, on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2008. 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.
1) The Commission proposes to amend Regulation 4VAC20-752-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Blue Crab Sanctuaries". Currently, the Blue Crab Sanctuary is closed to the harvest of crabs from June 1 through September 15. The Commission proposes to close the sanctuary, as early as April 15. This proposal is intended to provide additional protection to crabs that spawn as early as mid-May.
2) Virginia Seafood Council 2008 Study of Crassostrea ariakensis.
On March 25, 2008, the Commission will review the Virginia Seafood Council's 2008 proposal for continuing an overboard study of the non-native ariakensis oyster. Public comments on the proposal are welcome.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE BRANDY BATTLE (757) 247-2248 NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
