FISHERIES:

I. Chapter 4VAC20-252-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Atlantic Striped Bass”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-252-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Atlantic Striped Bass” to change management measures to comply with ASMFC Addendum II to Amendment 7 for striped bass, to change the recreational season for Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass season, to streamline the aquaculture of striped bass process, and remove all gear restrictions for commercial harvesters that hold striped bass quota.

These size and quota amendments are to comply with the ASMFC Addendum II to Amendment 7 to the Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. The purpose of changing the Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass season is to mirror the summer/fall striped bass season in the main stem of the Potomac River to create consistency for recreational anglers and law enforcement. The purpose of streamlining the aquaculture sections and removing gear restrictions is reduce regulatory burden and to allow commercial harvesters to harvest striped bass regardless of the gear type used.

II. Chapter 4VAC20-620-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Summer Flounder”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-620-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Summer Flounder” to set the recreational summer flounder minimum size limit as 16 inches from January 1 through May 31 and 17 ½ inches from June 1 through December 31.

The purpose of the amendment is to comply with interstate, coast-wide management measures for this resource.

SHELLFISHERIES:

I. Chapter 4VAC20-1350-10 et seq., “Pertaining to General Oyster Planting Ground Lease Renewal Fee”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1350-10 et seq., “Pertaining to General Oyster Planting Ground Lease Renewal Fee” to allow for online applications and payments.

The purpose of amending this regulation is to increase regulatory efficiency by allowing for online applications and payments.

II. Chapter 4VAC20-1090-10 et seq., “Pertaining to License Requirements and License Fees”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1090-10 et seq., “Pertaining to License Requirements and License Fees” to lower the cost to the public of the shellfish relay process.

The purpose of amending this regulation is to decrease regulatory burden and decrease the cost to the public of relaying shellfish.

III. Chapter 4VAC20-1290-10 et Seq., " Pertaining to Restrictions on the Harvest of Shellfish and in Condemned Shellfish Areas"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1290-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Restrictions on the Harvest of Shellfish and in Condemned Shellfish Areas” to lower the cost to the public of the shellfish relay process.

The purpose of amending this regulation is to decrease regulatory burden and decrease the cost to the public of relaying shellfish.

A copy of the draft evaluations (after March 21) and draft regulations for the amendments can be found at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm