NOTICE
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-80-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Setting of Fishing Devices Proximate to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel." The purpose of the proposed amendments is to prohibit the setting of gill nets and fixed fishing devices adjacent to the new span of the Chesapeake Bay Bride-Tunnel.
In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed amendments will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 25, 1999, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposal should be mailed to: Jack G. Travelstead, VMRC, Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, Virginia 23607. A copy of the proposed regulation may be reviewed at the Commission during Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposed regulation may call the Commission at (757) 247-2248.
Proposed Regulation:
Gill Nets: It shall be unlawful for any person to set, place, or fish a gill net of any type in the area extending 250 yards from either span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. For purposes of this paragraph, the distance shall be measured from the outer edges of each span, and extending from the low water mark on Fisherman's Island to the one-mile marker on the South end of the Bridge-Tunnel.
Fixed Fishing Devices: It shall be unlawful for any person to set, place, or fish a fixed fishing device of any type with 250 yards of either span of the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel. For purposes of this paragraph, the distance shall be measured from the outer edges of each span and shall apply anywhere along the Bridge-Tunnel and its causeways.
Drift Gill Net Exception: From November 1 through December 31, it shall be lawful to place drift gill nets for the harvest of striped bass within 250 yards of the north span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel extending from the mean low water mark on Fisherman's Island to the point where the gap between the north and south spans narrows from 800 feet to 250 feet.
********
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION 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 NEED.