Public Notice: PERTAINING TO BLACK SEA BASS 2002

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) invites public comment on a proposed amendment to Regulation 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq., as shown below.

In accordance with 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on these proposals will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 26, 2002 at the office of the Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor, Newport News, Virginia. Any interested persons may offer testimony. For further information or to submit written comments, please contact Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia, 23607, prior to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 26, 2002.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:

4 VAC 20-950-10 ET. SEQ. "PERTAINING TO BLACK SEA BASS"

The Commission proposes the following amendments to the regulation:

A) The minimum size limit for black sea bass harvested by commercial fishing gear shall be 11 inches, total length.

B) It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set, or fish any fish pot in Virginia tidal waters for the purposes of harvesting black sea bass or to possess or to land in Virginia black sea bass harvested by fish pots which are not constructed as follows:

With an escape vent of 2 3/8 inches diameter circular dimension, two inches square dimension, or 1 3/8 inches by 5 3/4 inches rectangular dimension. 

The purpose of the proposed amendment is to comply with federal and interstate management requirements and to prevent the possibility of quota overages.

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.