VIRGINIA MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
"PROHIBITION OF CRAB DREDGING IN VIRGINIA WATERS
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CHAPTER 4 VAC 20-1140-10 ET SEQ.
This chapter prohibits crab dredging in Virginia tidal waters and repeals all other regulations that pertain, in any manner, to the crab dredge fishery, in order to conserve female crabs, as the exploitation rate on female crabs jeopardizes the current and future biological health of this resource. This chapter is promulgated pursuant to the authority contained in §§28.2-201, 28.2-203, 28.2-203.1 and 28.2-707 of the Code of Virginia. The effective date of this regulation is April 30, 2008.
4 VAC 20-1140-10. PURPOSE.
This chapter promotes conservation of the blue crab resource, especially female crabs that constitute mostly all of the crab dredge harvest. The provisions in this chapter are in response to the reduced abundance of the blue crab resource and its over-exploitation, especially of female crabs.
4 VAC 20-1140-20. CRAB DREDGING PROHIBITED.
The season to use a dredge, for catching crabs, is closed.
A. It shall be unlawful, for any person, to use a dredge, for catching crabs, from the waters of the Commonwealth.
B. The following regulations that pertain to the crab dredge fishery or activities associated with crab dredging are repealed:
CHAPTER 4VAC20-40-10 ET SEQ. “Pertaining to Crab Catch Limits”4 VAC 1140-30. Penalty.
As set forth in §28.2-903 of the Code of Virginia, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this chapter committed by the same person within 12 months of a prior violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
