The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By November 21, 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, December 6, 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, November 30, 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 20-1270-10 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 a reciprocal quota transfer system between the purse seine menhaden reduction sector and the purse seine menhaden bait sector of the fishery.
The purpose of these amendments is to extend the reciprocal transfer system that allows for transfers between the reduction and purse seine bait sectors beyond 2022.
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 modify purse seine area and time prohibitions to include: (i) any waters of the Commonwealth�s Chesapeake Bay and the City of Virginia Beach within one nautical mile from the mean low water line; (ii) one-half nautical mile on either side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel; and (iii) the Commonwealth�s waters of the Chesapeake Bay the Thursday prior to, and through Memorial Day; July 1 through July 7; and the Thursday prior to, and through Labor Day.
The purpose of these amendments is to limit future spill incidents while reducing user conflict.
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.
