The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By March 9, 2020 the proposed draft regulations may be viewed at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
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, March 24, 2020, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia. Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2020.
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m.
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1370-10 et seq., "Pertaining to the Restricted Area at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and Wysocki Drop Zone"
The Commission proposes to establish Chapter 4 VAC 20-1370-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Restricted Area at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and Wysocki Drop Zone�, to afford the Virginia Marine Police the authority to enforce Virginia law that prohibits entrance into the restricted areas already established in federal regulation and prohibit recreational and commercial fishing activities within these areas.
The purpose of this regulation is to enhance the physical security of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story as part of a comprehensive plan to protect the public, environment, and economic interests from sabotage and other subversive acts, accidents, or incidents of a similar nature.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq. "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass" to establish the commercial black sea bass fishery quota for 2020.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species.
III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees" to establish a license fee for the new Commercial Electrofishing License.
The purpose of this amendment is to establish a license fee associated with the commercial usage of electrofishing gear.
IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia", and Chapter 4 VAC 20-610-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Commercial Fishing and Mandatory Harvest Reporting"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq. �Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia�, and Chapter 4 VAC 20-610-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Commercial Fishing and Mandatory Harvest Reporting� to establish weekly harvest reporting and commercial fishery closure procedures for cobia.
The purpose of this amendment is to comply with Amendment I of the Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE ELLEN BOLEN, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (757-247-2269) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.
