Public Notice:  Proposed Regulations, January 2014

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of amendments to regulations, as proposed below.  By January 14, 2014, the proposed draft regulations can be viewed at the Commission offices. 

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 Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written 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 January 27, 2014. 

I.  Chapter 4VAC20-260-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Designation of Seed Areas and Clean Cull Areas�

The Commission, on December 10, 2013, adopted emergency amendments to Chapter 4VAC20-260-10 et seq. �Pertaining to Designation of Seed Areas and Clean Cull Areas� to clarify culling tolerances and inspection procedures for oysters taken from public oyster beds, rocks and shoals in Virginia�s tidal waters.  The emergency amendments reestablish the Commission�s intent to reduce unnecessary culling procedures that would be harmful to the resource.

Oysters less than the minimum cull size that are adhering so closely to the shell of any marketable oyster as to render removal impossible without destroying the oysters less than the minimum cull size need not be removed, and those oysters shall be considered lawful and shall not be included in the culling tolerances or standards as described in Subsections A through D of Section 4VAC20-260-40.

This emergency amendment is proposed as part of the final regulation.  The purpose of this proposed amendment is to promote conservation of this resource.

II.  Chapter 4VAC20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks�

The Commission, on December 10, 2013, adopted emergency amendments to Chapter 4VAC20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks,� to increase the daily commercial trip limit for spiny dogfish from 3,300 pounds to 4,000 pounds.

This emergency amendment is proposed as part of the final regulation.  The purpose of this proposed amendment is to provide for the immediate welfare of the seafood industry.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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.



Back to top

Important Links

VMRC Mobile
Chesapeake Bay Plate
VRSFDF
Buy Recrecational Licenses
Fisherman Identification Program
VMRC Regulations
Recreational Fishing Regulations
Anglers Guide