A. This chapter is promulgated pursuant to authority contained in §§ 28.1-82 [Repealed] and 28.1-85 [Repealed] of the Code of Virginia.

B. The effective date of this chapter is September 24, 1986.

The purpose of this chapter is to protect and conserve the oyster resource on public oyster grounds where the taking of oysters by patent tong is permitted.

The season for the taking of oysters from the public oyster grounds by patent tong shall begin on November 1 of each year, except as provided below. In any year in which November 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then the patent tong season opening date shall be the Monday immediately following November 1.

The harvesting of oysters from the public oyster grounds by patent tong shall be limited to the daily period of sunrise to 2 p.m. All patent tonging and culling of oysters shall be completed by 2 p.m. each day.

All laws, chapters and orders, otherwise in effect shall remain in full force and effect, except as may be specifically modified by this chapter or any subsequent chapter or chapter or both.

This chapter applies to all public oyster grounds where harvesting of oysters by patent tong is permitted.

As set forth in § 28.1-23 [Repealed] of the Code of Virginia, any person, firm, or corporation violating any provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class I misdemeanor.