TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-510. Pertaining to Amberjack and Cobia (amending 4VAC20-510-20, 4VAC20-510-30).

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

Effective Date: April 1, 2025.

Agency Contact: Pat Geer, Chief of Fisheries Management Division, Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23651, telephone (757) 247-2236, or email pat.geer@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendments revise the recreational season and size limit for cobia to comply with reductions required by Addendum II to Amendment 1 of the Interstate Fisheries Management Plan for Atlantic Migratory Group Cobia.

4VAC20-510-20. Recreational fishery possession limits, season, and vessel allowance.

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

B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess any cobia before June 15 or after September 15 20 of the current calendar year.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to possess more than two amberjack at any time. When fishing from any recreational vessel where the entire catch is held in a common hold or container, the possession limit for the recreational vessel shall be equal to the number of persons on board legally eligible to fish multiplied by two. The captain or operator of the recreational vessel shall be responsible for any recreational vessel possession limit. Any amberjack caught after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately.

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

4VAC20-510-30. Size limits.

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or have in possession any amberjack less than 32 inches in total length.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing commercially to take, harvest, or possess any cobia less than 37 inches in total length.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to take, catch, or have in possession any recreationally harvested cobia less than 40 43 inches in total length.

D. When fishing from any recreational vessel, it shall be unlawful to take, catch, or have in possession more than one recreationally harvested cobia greater than 50 inches in total length per vessel.