Commercial Fishing Advisory Board (CFAB) and the
Marine Fishing Improvement Fund (MFIF)

§ 28.2-208. Marine Fishing Improvement Fund continued.

There is hereby continued a special, nonreverting fund in the state treasury to be known as the Marine Fishing Improvement Fund, hereinafter referred to as the Fund.  The Fund shall consist of (i) that portion of the nonresident harvester's license fees which have not been allocated to the Virginia Marine Products Fund as provided for in § 28.2-227, (ii) fees collected from the registration of commercial fishermen under § 28.2-241, and (iii) fees collected from the sale of seafood landing licenses under § 28.2-228.1.  The Fund shall be administered by the Commission and used solely for (i) managing and improving marine fisheries, (ii) seafood product promotion and development services, (iii) mandatory reporting and stock assessment, (iv) education of commercial fishermen, (v) conservation and management strategies identified by the General Assembly and the Commission, (vi) public information pamphlets and summaries of rules issued with gear licenses, and (vii) retaining commercial fishermen to engage in replenishment, research, and stock assessment activities.

The CFAB/MFIF began in 1993.    Click here to view the current commercial MFIF report, cmfif.pdf.


The majority of the funds collected are used to support the commercial licensing and mandatory reporting program.


CFAB/MFIF projects approved by the Commission



§ 28.2-208.1. Commercial Fishing Advisory Board established.

A.  There is hereby established the Commercial Fishing Advisory Board, which shall hereinafter be known as the Board.  The Board shall advise the Commission on the expenditure of those moneys received.

B.  The Board shall consist of nine members appointed by the Commissioner from a list of nominees submitted by organizations representing commercial fishing interests.  The membership shall be representative of the geographic area covered by the commercial fishing license.

C.  The term of each member shall be for three years, provided that initial appointments shall be three members appointed for three years, three members appointed for two years and three members appointed for one year.  Appointments to fill vacancies shall be made to fill the unexpired terms.

D.  Members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses.  The Board shall meet at the call of the Commissioner or at least four times yearly.
CFAB Membership


Applications for grant requests are accepted until April 15, each year.  We do want everyone to understand that new projects are difficult to fund, with the small amount of funds available for commercial projects.  However, we will continue to accept applications from educational institutions, government entities, and nonprofit organizations.  Please contact Rob O'Reilly at 757-247-2247 or rob.o'reilly@mrc.virginia.gov, if you have questions.

Click to download an application cover sheet in PDF or Word format.

 

Link to search the Virginia Code (leaving VMRC website) or VMRC Regulations.
Back to top

Important Links

VMRC Mobile
Chesapeake Bay Plate
VRSFDF
Buy Recrecational Licenses
Fisherman Identification Program
VMRC Regulations
Recreational Fishing Regulations
Anglers Guide