The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to the regulations listed below.
In accordance with ?28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the adoption of the proposed amendments will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 29, 2002 at Nandua High School Auditorium, 26350 Lankford Highway, Onley, Virginia and at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 26, 2002, 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, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607. A copy of the proposed amendments may be reviewed at the Commission during Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Persons interested in obtaining a copy of the proposed regulations may call the Commission offices at (757) 247-2248.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
Recreational Summer Flounder Fishery
Regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder"
The Commission proposes to reduce the recreational harvest of summer flounder in 2002 by 43.8 percent in order to achieve the reference period landings in 2002 and to maintain compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Summer Flounder. The Commission will consider several options, including combinations of minimum size limits, possession limits, and closed seasons to achieve the required reduction. An increase in the minimum size limit up to 18 inches, reduction in the possession limit to as few as two fish, and closed seasons of up to several months will be considered.
Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery
Regulation 4 VAC 20-950-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Black Sea Bass"
The Commission proposes to increase the minimum size limit on black sea bass harvested recreationally, from 11 inches to 11 1/2 inches, total length, and to repeal the closed recreational fishing season for black sea bass. The purpose of the proposed regulation is to reduce the recreational harvest of black sea bass by 5 percent to remain within the target fishing mortality rate, and to comply with the Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission Interstate Management Plan for Black Sea Bass.
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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.
