Public Notice:  Proposed Regulations, October 2015

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of amendments to regulations, as proposed below. By October 12, 2015, the proposed draft regulations may be viewed at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.

In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held no earlier than 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Robert L. O�Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 12:00 p.m., Monday, October 26, 2015.

I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest�

On September 22, 2015 the Virginia Marine Resources Commission adopted, under its emergency regulatory authority (Section 28.2-210 of The Code of Virginia), amendments to this chapter to 1) rescind all effort control provisions adopted August 25, 2015 and, 2) clarify requirements associated with possession and harvest of oysters for commercial purposes of the recently adopted limited entry oyster fishery requirements for 2016.

The Commission may also consider modifications to the 2015-2016 public oyster harvest season for two areas, Public Ground Number 9 and Public Ground Number 10, in the Pocomoke Sound west of Saxis, Virginia.

The purpose of these proposed amendments is to promote the welfare of the seafood industry.

II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1140-10 et seq., �Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters�

The Commission proposes to consider whether to close the commercial winter crab dredge fishing season, under Chapter 4 VAC 20-1140-10 et seq.

The purpose of this consideration is in accordance with the provisions of Section 28.2-707 of the Code of Virginia.

III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., �Pertaining to License Requirements and License Fees�

The Commission proposes to establish an eel pot license. At this time eel pots and fish pots can be purchased under a single license.

The purpose of this amendment is to conform with requirements of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries request to manage the American eel fishery.

IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Summer Flounder�

The Commission proposes to consider changes to current commercial summer flounder vessel possession and landing limitations, as well as seasonal time periods associated with the landing of summer flounder harvests from federal waters.

The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this resource and economic stability.

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO DISABILITIES, PLEASE ADVISE JANE MCCROSKEY AT (757) 247-2215, NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.



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