Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-252. Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass (amending 4VAC20-252-90, 4VAC20-252-100, 4VAC20-252-135).

Statutory Authority: §§ 28.2-201 and 28.2-204.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Effective Date: September 1, 2009.

Agency Contact: Jane Warren, Agency 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 amendment reinstates the two fish limit for the December recreational striped bass fishery in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and in the Potomac River tributaries.

4VAC20-252-90. Bay fall striped bass recreational fishery.

A. The open season for the bay fall striped bass recreational fishery shall be October 4 through December 31, inclusive.

B. The area open for this fishery shall be the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

C. The minimum size limit for this fishery shall be 18 inches total length.

D. The maximum size limit for this fishery shall be 28 inches total length, except as provided in subsection GF of this section.

E. The possession limit for this fishery shall be two fish per person from October 4 through December 20.

F. The possession limit for this fishery shall be one fish per person from December 21 through December 31.

G. F. The possession limits described in subsection E and F of this section may consist of only one striped bass 34 inches or greater.

4VAC20-252-100. Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass recreational fishery.

A. The open season for the Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass fishery shall correspond to the open summer/fall season as established by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for the mainstem Potomac River.

B. The area open for this fishery shall be the Potomac River tributaries.

C. The minimum size limit for this fishery shall be 18 inches total length.

D. The maximum size limit for this fishery shall be 28 inches total length, except as provided in subsection GF of this section.

E. The possession limit for this fishery shall be two fish per person from October 4 through December 20.

F. The possession limit for this fishery shall be one fish per person from December 21 through December 31.

G. F. The possession limits described in subsection E and F of this section may consist of only one striped bass 34 inches or greater.

4VAC20-252-135. Gill net mesh size and tending restrictions: exemptions.

A. Any registered commercial fisherman who is permitted to harvest striped bass from the coastal area in accordance with 4VAC20-252-130 C and sets or fishes any gill net in the coastal area shall be exempt from the maximum gill net mesh size requirements during November and December as described in 4VAC20-430-65 A and B.

B. Any registered commercial fisherman who is permitted to harvest striped bass from the coastal area in accordance with 4VAC20-252-130 C and sets or fishes any gill net seven inches or greater in stretched mesh in the coastal area shall be exempt from the tending requirements described in 4VAC20-430-65 E and F during the months of November and December.

C. Any registered commercial fisherman who is permitted to harvest striped bass from the coastal area in accordance with 4VAC20-252-130 C shall display an optic yellow flag issued by the commission while fishing for striped bass in the coastal area and while transiting the coastal area before and after a striped bass fishing trip. This flag shall be prominently displayed on the starboard side of the vessel.

D. It shall be unlawful for any registered commercial fisherman who is permitted to harvest striped bass from Virginia waters and possesses striped bass tags on board a vessel to place, set, fish or possess aboard a vessel any gill net with a stretched mesh size greater than nine inches, from February 1, 2006, through March 31, 2006, and November 1, 2006, through December 31, 2006.