The VMRC Main Office will be closed on Thursday, July 3, 2025. Business will be conducted remotely during this time, with normal in-person operations to resume Monday, July 7, 2025.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By July 3, 2025, 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 Tuesday, July 22, 2025, 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 11:59 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025. 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 4VAC20-1390-10, “Pertaining to Shrimp”
The Commission proposes amendments to Chapter 4VAC20-1390-10, “Pertaining to Shrimp,” to 1) Expand the number of limited entry shrimp trawl licenses; 2) Establish an Eastern Shore Shrimp Trawl Harvest Area; 3) Extend the start of the season into September; 4) Modify the maximum dimensions of the shrimp trawl gear; and 5) Amend methods for reporting bycatch.
The purpose of these amendments is to promote and enhance the shrimp trawl fishery in an ecologically conservative manner.
II. Chapter 4VAC20-490-10, “Pertaining to Sharks”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-490, “Pertaining to Sharks” to clarify language regarding the prohibition of overnight soaks for Virginia spiny dogfish permit holders using gill net mesh size equal to or greater than 5.25-inches and less than 10-inches in the Delaware and Maryland Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area or the Virginia Atlantic Sturgeon Bycatch Reduction Area between 8:00 pm through 5:00 am the following day from November 1 through March 31.
The purpose of these amendments is to comply with Addendum VII of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Spiny Dogfish Fishery Management Plan and the Spiny Dogfish Framework Adjustment 6 from the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.
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.
