The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By February 7, 2022, 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, February 22, 2022, 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, February 16, 2022 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 20-1180-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Fishing Guides" and Chapter 4 VAC 20-1150-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Charter Boat and Head Boat Fisheries"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1180-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Fishing Guides", to 1) define existent freshwater/saltwater delineation lines, 2) clarify language for license qualification requirements, and 3) establish penalties. The Commission also proposes to repeal Chapter 4 VAC 20-1150-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Charter Boat and Head Boat Fisheries".
The purpose of these amendments is to define the extent of charter license lines between freshwater and saltwater jurisdictions, provide clarification on how to obtain required for hire licenses, establish penalties for compliance failure, and repeal the outdated regulation 4 VAC 20-1150-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Charter Boat and Head Boat Fisheries" as it has been replaced by the establishment of Chapter 4 VAC 20-1180-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Fishing Guides".
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden"
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.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-450-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Bluefish"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-450-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Taking of Bluefish" to update the commercial bluefish annual quota.
The purpose of this amendment is to increase regulatory efficiency while remaining in compliance with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species.
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.
