The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By February 13, 2023, 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 28, 2023, 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 22, 2023, 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 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia," to terminate the Recreational Cobia Mandatory Reporting Program (RCMRP) and associated species permit.
The purpose of these amendments is to remove regulatory burden on the recreational fishing community, while collecting voluntary data reports which focus on data gaps in the stock assessment.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees", to provide an option to purchase a multiyear resident recreational saltwater fishing license.
The purpose of these amendments is to comply with HB1112 which passed during the 2022 Virginia General Assembly.
III. 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 percentage Virginia receives of the coastwide total allowable catch per Addendum I to Amendment 3 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden.
The purpose of these amendments is to comply 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.
