REGULATIONS
Vol. 31 Iss. 19 - May 18, 2015

TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
Chapter 1270
Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-1270. Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden (amending 4VAC20-1270-50).

Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: May 1, 2015.

Agency Contact: Jennifer Farmer, Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607, telephone (757) 247-2248, FAX (757) 247-2002, or email jennifer.farmer@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments establish the commercial nonpurse seine menhaden bait sector quota as 4,629,542 pounds, allocated by gear type.

4VAC20-1270-50. Nonpurse seine menhaden bait sector quota; allocation and bycatch provisions.

A. For 2015 and 2016, the The commercial nonpurse seine commercial bait sector's allocation shall be by gear type as follows:

1. Cast net:

1,930 1,779 pounds.

2. Dredge:

3,069 2,829 pounds.

3. Fyke net:

2,115 1,950 pounds.

4. Gill net:

1,521,108 1,402,368 pounds.

5. Hook and line:

234 216 pounds.

6. Pot:

2,064 1,903 pounds.

7. Pound net:

3,412,020 3,145,673 pounds.

8. Seine:

20,103 18,534 pounds.

9. Trawl:

58,847 54,254 pounds.

10. Trot line:

39 36 pounds.

B. Pursuant to § 28.2-400.4 of the Code of Virginia, once the commissioner announces the date of closure for the nonpurse seine bait fishery, any person licensed in the nonpurse seine menhaden bait sector may possess and land up to 6,000 pounds of menhaden per day.

VA.R. Doc. No. R15-4380; Filed April 30, 2015, 12:07 p.m.