Public Notice: Proposed Regulations, October 2017
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on proposed amendments to regulations, as shown below. By October 6, 2017, the proposed draft regulations may 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 amendments to these regulations will be held no earlier than 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 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, October 23, 2017.
I.	Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia"
On September 26, 2017, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission adopted, under its emergency regulatory authority (Section 28.2-210 of the Code of Virginia), amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia," that established an October 1, 2017 closure date for the commercial cobia fishery. The Commission proposes to incorporate these emergency amendments as a permanent part of Regulation 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., at its October 24, 2017 meeting.
The purpose of these amendments is to comply with the interstate management plan for this species.
II.	Chapter 4 VAC 20-260-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Designation of Seed Areas and Clean Cull Areas"
On September 26, 2017, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission adopted, under its emergency regulatory authority (Section 28.2-210 of the Code of Virginia), amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-260-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Designation of Seed Areas and Clean Cull Areas," that established inspection procedures for oysters kept in individual baskets in a vessel. The Commission proposes to incorporate these amendments as a permanent part of Regulation 4 VAC 20-260-10 et seq., and to establish other amendments to the chapter to accomplish the same purposes at its October 24, 2017 meeting.
The purpose of these amendments is to conserve the oyster resource and promote efficiency of inspections.
III.	Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder"
On September 26, 2017, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission adopted, under its emergency regulatory authority (Section 28.2-210 of the Code of Virginia), amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Summer Flounder," to establish the fall 2017 commercial offshore summer flounder fishery management measures that modified the trip limit and landing period and sections related to the closure of the landing period. The Commission proposes to incorporate these amendments as a permanent part of Regulation 4 VAC 20-620-10 et seq., and other changes to effectuate these purposes at its October 24, 2017 meeting.
The purpose of this amendment is to promote efficient utilization of this resource and economic stability.
IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Tilefish and Grouper"
The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1120-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Tilefish and Grouper," to set a recreational season for tilefish.
The purpose of these amendments is to comply with the management plan for this species.
VMRC DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES; THEREFORE, IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, PLEASE ADVISE MATT HULL (757-247-2214) NO LATER THAN FIVE WORK DAYS PRIOR TO THE MEETING DATE AND IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS.