June 24, 2025: Results of the May VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Draft Minutes ]
June 4, 2025: The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) encourages everyone to take advantage of Free Fishing Days from June 6 through June 8, 2025. During this special weekend, you can fish in Virginia’s saltwater areas without a recreational saltwater fishing license. [ Media Release ] Note: to see public notices for proposed regulatory actions, upcoming meeting dates and past meeting minutes use the Agency Meeting Calendar.
June 3, 2025: The Horseshoe Crab Dredge Category Permit commercial fishery will close beginning at 12 PM on Thursday, June 5th, 2025. Please see attached notice for details. [ Notice ]
May 27, 2025: Results of the May VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Final Minutes ]
May 12, 2025: Voluntary Recreational Cobia Initiative Media Release for the 2025 Season [ Notice ]
May 5, 2025: CMAC - 05/29/2025, 5:00 PM: There will be a Crab Management Advisory Committee Meeting held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Update 5/9: Meeting time changed to 5 PM) at the VMRC Main Office.
[ Agenda ]
May 2, 2025: On April 22, 2025, the Commission approved amendments to Chapter 4VAC 20-1190 “Pertaining to Gill Net Control Date” to establish an extended drift gill gear license (up to 6,000 ft) and to develop associated gear requirements, season and time restrictions. This new gear will be available at all VMRC license agents beginning May 1, 2025. The amended regulation can be found here: [ Regulation 1190 ]
May 2, 2025: On April 22, 2025, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted to amend Chapter 4VAC 20-490, “Pertaining to Sharks”, prohibiting overnight soaks of gillnets by spiny dogfish permit holders targeting spiny dogfish in designated areas. This change is to mirror federal law and to remain in compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. This regulation change will be effective at 12:01 AM on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Please see memo for details. [ Memo ]
April 23, 2025: Results of the April VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Final Minutes ]
April 10, 2025: Effective 12:01 AM, April 15, 2025, the Virginia commercial spot fishery will open. The season will remain open until December 8, 2025. [ Notice ]
March 25, 2025: Results of the March VMRC Commission Meeting can be found here [ Final Minutes ]
Page updated: 12:02 PM Wednesday, June 25, 2025