Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-1140. Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters (amending 4VAC20-1140-10, 4VAC20-1140-20).

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

Effective Date: June 1, 2010.

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

Summary:

This chapter prohibits crab dredging in Virginia's waters from December 1, 2010, through March 31, 2011.

4VAC20-1140-10. Purpose.

This chapter promotes conservation of the blue crab resource, especially female crabs that constitute mostly all of the crab dredge harvest, with many of those female crabs yet to produce their initial spawn. The provisions in this chapter are in response to the reduced abundance of the blue crab resource and its overexploitation, especially of female crabs.

4VAC20-1140-20. Crab dredging prohibited.

A. In accordance with the provisions of § 28.2-707 of the Code of Virginia, the crab dredging season of December 1, 2009 2010, through March 31, 2010 2011, is closed, and it shall be unlawful to use a dredge for catching crabs from the waters of the Commonwealth during that season.

B. The following regulations that pertain to the crab dredge fishery or activities associated with crab dredging are repealed:

4VAC20-40, "Pertaining to Crab Catch Limits"

4VAC20-90, "Pertaining to Dredging for Crabs"

4VAC20-270-30 C, Daily Time Limits, "Pertaining to Crabbing"

4VAC20-750, "Pertaining to Crab Dredge Sales"

4VAC20-752-30 A, Harvest Restrictions. "Pertaining to Blue Crab Sanctuaries"

4VAC20-1090-30 1, Commercial Licenses: Blue Crab Harvesting and Shedding Licenses--For each boat used for taking or catching hard crabs with dredges. "Pertaining to Licensing Requirements and License Fees"