Public Notice:  Proposed Regulations, September 2014

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the establishment of amendments to regulations, as proposed below.  By September 8, 2014, the proposed draft regulations can 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 regulation will be held at 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, September 23, 2014, 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 September 22, 2014.

I.    Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq., �Pertaining to Sharks�

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-490-10 et seq. �Pertaining to Sharks� to amend the definitions of small-mesh and large-mesh gill nets, and to increase the spiny dogfish possession limit from 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, per vessel, per day.

The purpose of the amendments is to promote efficiency in the utilization of fishery resources. 
   
II.     Chapter 4 VAC 20-751-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Setting and Mesh Size of Gill Nets�

On August 26, 2014, by emergency action, the Commission adopted amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-751-10 et seq., �Pertaining to the Setting and Mesh Size of Gill Nets� that remove tending requirements for small-mesh gill nets, from August 15 through October 15, on the ocean side of Northampton and Accomack counties; prohibit the use of agents within the Assateague Island Small-Mesh Gill Net Area; and, allow the Commissioner, or his designee, the authority to approve the use of an agent, if the legally licensed person can document a significant hardship on the basis of health that impedes the retrieval of any gill nets within the Assateague Island Small-Mesh Gill Net Area.

The Commission proposes to establish these emergency amendments, as permanent parts of Chapter 4 VAC 20-751-10 et seq., at its September 23, 2014 meeting.

The purpose of the proposed amendments is to promote the welfare of the seafood industry and preservation of public safety.

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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.



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