Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-510. Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia (amending 4VAC20-510-20, 4VAC20-510-25, 4VAC20-510-33).

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

Effective Date: April 1, 2018.

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

Summary:

The amendments establish (i) a daily vessel limit of six amberjack or cobia for all commercial gears and (ii) a daily possession limit of two amberjack or cobia per commercial fisherman registration licensee for all commercial gears and change the end of the recreational season from September 15 to September 30.

4VAC20-510-20. Recreational fishery possession limits; season closure; vessel allowance; prohibition on gaffing.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to possess more than two amberjack or more than one cobia at any time. Any amberjack or cobia caught after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately. When fishing from any boat or vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit shall be for the boat or vessel and shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish multiplied by two for amberjack or one for cobia, except there is a maximum vessel limit of three cobia per vessel per day. That vessel limit may only include one cobia greater than 50 inches in total length. The captain or operator of the boat or vessel shall be responsible for any boat or vessel possession limit.

B. In 2017, it It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess any cobia before June 1 or after September 15 30.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to gaff or attempt to gaff any cobia.

4VAC20-510-25. Commercial fishery possession limits and season.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially to possess more than two amberjack or more than two cobia at any time, except as described in 4VAC20-510-33. Any amberjack or cobia caught after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately. When fishing from any boat or vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit shall be for the boat or vessel and shall be equal to the number of persons valid commercial fisherman registration licensees on board legally eligible to fish multiplied by two, except there is a maximum vessel limit of six cobia per vessel per day. The captain or operator of the boat or vessel shall be responsible for any boat or vessel possession limit.

B. In 2017 it shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially to harvest or possess any cobia after September 30.

4VAC20-510-33. Exceptions to possession limits and minimum size limits.

A. Nothing in 4VAC20-510-25 shall limit the possession of amberjack or cobia by licensed seafood buyers or wholesale and retail seafood establishments when operating in their capacity as buyer, wholesaler, or retailer.

B. Nothing in 4VAC20-510-25 and 4VAC20-510-30 shall limit the possession of cobia by an aquaculture facility that is permitted in accordance with the provisions of 4VAC20-510-35.

C. Any person employed by a permitted cobia aquaculture facility for the purpose of harvesting cobia as broodstock for the aquaculture facility shall be exempt from the provisions of 4VAC20-510-20 and 4VAC20-510-30 provided that person possesses a scientific collection permit issued by the commissioner.

D. The daily possession limit for cobia for any vessel operated by at least one legal commercial hook-and-line licensee shall be no more than six cobia, regardless of the number of crew on that vessel.