PREAMBLE
This chapter establishes a requirement for the use of cull rings in crab pots, and is promulgated pursuant to the authority contained in §28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
This chapter amends previous Chapter 4VAC20-700-10 which was promulgated June 27, 2000 and made effective on July 1, 2000. The effective date of this chapter, as amended, is March 1, 2008.
4VAC20-700-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to conserve the blue crab resource by promoting the escape of small crabs from crab pots through the use of cull rings.
4VAC20-700-20. Cull ring requirements.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish any crab pot, in Virginia's tidal waters, which does not contain at least two unobstructed cull rings of size and location within the pot, as described in this subsection, except as provided in subsections B of this section. One cull ring shall be at least 2-5/16 inches inside diameter, and the other cull ring shall be at least 2-3/16 inches inside diameter. These cull rings shall be located one each in opposite exterior side panels of the upper chamber of the pot.
B. Peeler pots with a mesh size less than 1-1/2 inches shall be exempt from the cull ring requirement.
4VAC20-700-30. Penalty.
Pursuant to §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.
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