Publice Notice: Pertaining to Channeled Whelk.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-890-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Channeled Whelk" and Regulation 4 VAC 20-900-10 et seq.. "Pertaining to Horseshoe Crab." The proposed amendments are described below.

In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed amendments will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, August 29, 2000, at the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Jack Travelstead, VMRC, Fisheries Management Division, P. O. Box 756, Newport News, Virginia 23607. Copies of the proposed amendments may be reviewed at the Commission, Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may be obtained by calling the Commission at (757) 247-2248.

Proposed Amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-890-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Channeled Whelk."

1) The current regulation provides only for a 5 1/2-inch minimum size limit for channeled whelk based on length. The Commission proposes to allow a 2 3/4-inch diameter at the whorl (width) minimum size limit as an alternative to the minimum size limit based on length, and the proposed amendment would allow for either the length or the diameter (width) of the channeled whelk to serve as a minimum size limit. All currently allowed tolerances would apply to the proposed alternative width measurement.

2) The current regulation prohibits conch potting in the Virginia tributaries to the mainstem Chesapeake Bay. The Commission proposes to allow licensed conch pot fishermen to place, set and fish conch pots within the Virginia tributaries.

Proposed Amendments to Regulation 4 VAC 20-900-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Horseshoe Crab."

The current emergency provision to this regulation specifies a commercial landings quota of 355,000 horseshoe crabs, for each calendar year. The Commission proposes to establish this emergency provision as a permanent part of the regulation.

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VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION DUE TO A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE DEBORAH CAWTHON (757) 247-2248 NO LESS THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING TIME AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEED.

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