I. Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-270-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Fishery” to close the 2024/2025 winter crab dredge fishery and consider extending the commercial crab pot fishery season.

The purpose of these amendments is to protect the female spawning stock while increasing opportunity in the blue crab fishery for winter harvest.

II. Chapter 4VAC20-1250-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Tagging of Shellfish”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4VAC20-1250-10 et seq., “Pertaining to the Tagging of Shellfish” to modify the method of identifying harvested shellfish.

The purpose of these amendments is to align with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program’s tagging requirements to increase public safety and protect the shellfish resource.  

A copy of the draft regulations (on October 9) and draft evaluations (after October 23) for the amendments can be found at https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm