I. Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-510-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia,” to terminate the Recreational Cobia Mandatory Reporting Program (RCMRP) and associated species permit.

The purpose of these amendments is to remove regulatory burden on the recreational fishing community, while collecting voluntary data reports which focus on data gaps in the stock assessment.   

II. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1090-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees", to provide an option to purchase a multiyear resident recreational saltwater fishing license.

The purpose of these amendments is to comply with HB1112 which passed during the 2022 Virginia General Assembly.

III. Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden"

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden", to establish the percentage Virginia receives of the coastwide total allowable catch per Addendum I to Amendment 3 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden.

The purpose of these amendments is to comply with the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for this species.

IV. Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest”

The Commission proposes to amend Chapter 4 VAC 20-720-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest", to adjust the public oyster harvest seasons.

In accordance with Section 28.2-203, 28-2-506, and 28.2-524 of the Code of Virginia, the purpose of these amendments is to manage the Virginia public oyster fishery for sustainable harvest.

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