The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the proposed amendments to regulations listed below. By November 25, 2012 the proposed draft regulations can be viewed at the Commission offices or on the Commission website at the following address: http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm
In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held at 12:00 noon, on Monday, December 10, 2012, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Robert L. O'Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 5:00 p.m., Friday, December 7, 2012.
To conserve a limited commercial horseshoe crab quota and promote efficiency, the Commission proposes amendments to Chapter 4 VAC20-900-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Horseshoe Crabs", that would increase the 2013 total annual quota to 172,828 horseshoe crabs; establish a male-only quota of 81,331 horseshoe crabs east of the COLREGS line; and establish quota permit categories, a limited entry system, and transfer requirements.
To minimize regulatory burden on aquaculture enterprises, the Commission proposes amendments to Chapter 4 VAC20-610-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Commercial Fishing and Mandatory Harvest Reporting", that would reclassify the current requirements for reporting and permitting of aquaculture product owners and harvesters.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE BETTY WARREN (757-247-2248) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.