The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By March 11, 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 Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia.
Written public comments on the Fisheries Management Division proposals or on fisheries items not on the agenda must be provided by 12:00 p.m., Monday, March 25, 2024, to Patrick Geer, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 380 Fenwick Road, Bldg. 96, Fort Monroe, Virginia 23651, or sent by email to fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov with the subject heading “Commission Comments”.
The Commission may review Fisheries Management Division items as early as 9:30 a.m
I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-252-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Atlantic Striped Bass”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-252-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Atlantic Striped Bass” to change management measures to comply with ASMFC Addendum II to Amendment 7 for striped bass, to change the recreational season for Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass season, to streamline the aquaculture of striped bass process, and remove all gear restrictions for commercial harvesters that hold striped bass quota.
These size and quota amendments are to comply with the ASMFC Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. The purpose of changing the Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass season is to mirror the summer/fall striped bass season in the main stem of the Potomac River to create consistency for recreational anglers and law enforcement. The purpose of streamlining the aquaculture sections and removing gear restrictions is reduce regulatory burden and to allow commercial harvesters to harvest striped bass regardless of the gear type used.
II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Summmer Flounder”
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-620-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Summer Flounder” to set the recreational summer flounder minimum size limit as 16 inches from January 1 through May 31 and 17 ˝ inches from June 1 through December 31
The purpose of the amendment is to comply with interstate, coast-wide management measures for this 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.
