Publice Notice: Annual landings quota of 168,039 pounds of American shad 2002

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on amendments to the regulations listed below.

In accordance with §28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the adoption of these proposed regulations will be held at 12:00 noon on December 17, 2002 at the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be forwarded to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, VA 23607, prior to 12:00 noon, December 16, 2002. The proposed regulations may be reviewed and copied at the offices of the Marine Resources Commission Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposals may call the Commission at (757) 247-2248.

I. Amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-530-10 et seq., "Pertaining to American Shad."

The Commission proposes to establish an annual landings quota of 168,039 pounds of American shad, for the 2003 and 2004 coastal fishery.

The purpose of the amendment is to comply with the requirement of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management plan to reduce landings to 40% of the average, 1992-2001 landings.

The Commission requests public comment on fisherman participation options that range from a completely open participation system, whereby all holders of a Commercial Fisherman Registration License would be eligible, to a strict limited-entry system of participation that requires coastal fishery participants to have landed at least 5,000 pounds of American shad in at least 4 years, from 1992-2001.

II. Amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-280-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Speckled Trout and Red Drum."

The Commission proposes to amend the current minimum and maximum size limits and possession limits for red drum, and 3 options are shown below. Currently, it is unlawful for any person to take, catch or possess any red drum less than 18 inches in length or more than one red drum greater than 27 inches in length. It is also unlawful for any person to possess more than 5 red drum, and only one of the 5 may exceed 27 inches in length. Each of the proposals, shown below, includes a provision that a person may not possess any red drum that exceeds 27 inches in total length.

Proposed Amendments:

Minimum Size limit Maximum Size Limit Possession Limit

1) 20 inches total length 27 inches total length 5 red drum

2) 18 inches total length 26 inches total length 3 red drum

3) 18 inches total length 25 inches total length 5 red drum

The purpose of the amendments is to comply with the requirements of the Interstate plan for red drum which are designed to prevent further overfishing and allow for a restoration of the spawning stock.

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (247-2248) NO LESS THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TIME AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.


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