In July 1992, the
Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation authorizing the
implementation of a saltwater recreational fishing license. Pursuant
to Virginia Code section 28.3-302.3
§ 28.2-302.3. Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund established.
There is hereby established a special, nonreverting fund in the state treasury to be known as the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund, hereafter referred to as the Fund. The interest earned on the principal of the Fund also shall not revert to the general fund. The Fund shall be administered by the Commission, to be used solely for the purposes of conserving and enhancing finfish species taken by recreational anglers; enforcing the provisions of §§ 28.2-302, 28.2-302.1, and 28.2-302.6 through 28.2- 302.9 and regulations promulgated thereunder; improving recreational fishing opportunities; administrating the Virginia Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournament certificates program; obtaining necessary data and conducting research for fisheries management; and creating or restoring habitat for species taken by recreational fishermen. The Fund shall consist of moneys collected pursuant to §§ 28.2-302, 28.2-302.2, and 28.2-302.6 through 28.2-302.9.
The RFAB is made up of 9 members of various anglers' groups from around the state. Clubs nominate members to serve on the RFAB. The Commissioner of the VMRC reviews the nominees and appoints members to serve on the RFAB. Each member serves 3 years and is then eligible for reappointment. There is no limit on the number of terms that a member can serve.
