TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
Final Regulation
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Marine Resources Commission is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 11 of the Code of Virginia; however, the commission is required to publish the full text of final regulations.
Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-620. Pertaining to Summer Flounder (amending 4VAC20-620-50).
Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: May 1, 2022.
Agency Contact: Jennifer Farmer, Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23551, telephone (757) 247-2248, or email jennifer.farmer@mrc.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The amendment lowers to 16 inches the minimum size of summer flounder harvested by recreational fishing gear, including hook and line, rod and reel, and spear and gig.
4VAC20-620-50. Minimum size limits.
A. The minimum size for summer flounder harvested by commercial fishing gear shall be 14 inches in total length.
B. The minimum size of summer flounder harvested by recreational fishing gear, including hook and line, rod and reel, spear and gig, shall be 16.5 16 inches in total length, except that the minimum size of summer flounder harvested in the Potomac River tributaries shall be the same as established by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for the mainstem Potomac River.
C. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess any summer flounder smaller than the designated minimum size limit.
D. Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the landing of summer flounder in Virginia that were legally harvested in the Potomac River.
VA.R. Doc. No. R22-7171; Filed April 27, 2022