The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the proposed amendments to regulations listed below.
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, May 25, 2010, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.
Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 5:00 p.m., Monday, May 24, 2010.
Copies of the proposed regulations 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.
Chapters 4VAC20-370-10 et seq. "Pertaining to the Culling of Crabs"; 4VAC20-1040-10 et seq. "Pertaining to Crabbing Licenses", 4VAC20-1140-10 et seq. "Prohibition of
Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters"
1) On the basis of scientific advice, from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-370-10 et seq. "Pertaining to the Culling of Crabs," to allow for the possession of dark sponge crabs, starting July 1, 2010.
Currently, there is a prohibition on the possession of dark sponge crabs until July 15.
2) The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1040-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Crabbing Licenses", to extend the license sales moratorium indefinitely.
The moratorium has been in effect since 1999, and there continues to be an overcapacity of effort in this fishery.
3) The Commission proposes, in accordance with the provisions of Section 28.2-707 of the Code of Virginia, to close the crab dredging season of December 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011, and, Chapter 4VAC20-1140-10 would describe this closed season and specify that it shall be unlawful to use a dredge for catching crabs from the waters of the Commonwealth during that closed season.
There is a continued commitment by all Chesapeake Bay jurisdiction to conserve as many of the female crabs that migrate to and near the spawning sanctuary, for overwintering.
Many of these female crabs have yet to spawn the first time.
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.
