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: 4VAC20-450. Pertaining to the Taking of Bluefish (amending 4VAC20-450-20).
Statutory Authority: § 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: April 1, 2026.
Agency Contact: Benjamin Foster, Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Building 96, Fort Monroe, VA 23551, telephone (757) 709-9277, or email benjamin.foster@mrc.virginia.gov.
Summary:
The amendments raise the limit of recreational bluefish that can be taken.
4VAC20-450-20. Recreational bluefish possession limits.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing recreationally to harvest or possess more than three five bluefish, except as described in subsection B of this section. Any bluefish taken after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing from a charter or for-hire vessel to harvest or possess more than five bluefish. Any bluefish taken after the possession limit has been reached shall be returned to the water immediately.
C. When fishing from a 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 who are legally eligible to fish multiplied by the personal possession limits as described in subsections A and B of this section. The captain or operator of the boat or vessel shall be responsible for any boat or vessel possession limit.
VA.R. Doc. No. R26-8545; Filed April 01, 2026