The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By October 9, 2024, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed on the VMRC web calendar at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm.
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments to these regulations will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Written public comments on the proposals below or on items not on the agenda must be provided by 12:00 p.m., Wednesday , October 23, 2024. Comments should be made at the following link: https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/fisheries/search_publiccomments.php, or addressed to Public Comments, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651.
I. Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery” to close the 2024/2025 winter crab dredge fishery and consider extending the commercial crab pot fishery season.
The purpose of these amendments is to protect the female spawning stock while increasing opportunity in the blue crab fishery for winter harvest.
II. Chapter 4VAC20-1250-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Tagging of Shellfish”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1250-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Tagging of Shellfish” to modify the method of identifying harvested shellfish.
The purpose of these amendments is to align with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program’s tagging requirements to increase public safety and protect the shellfish resource.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE MICHELE GUILFORD (757-247-2206) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
