Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-880. Pertaining to Hard Crab Pot Limits (amending 4VAC20-880-30).

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

Effective Date: June 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:

The amendments establish that it is unlawful (i) to place, set, or fish more than 255 hard crab pots in the tributaries of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay; (ii) to fish more than 425 hard crab pots in the mainstem Chesapeake Bay or coastal area; and (iii) to place, set, or fish more than a combined total of 425 pots in Virginia tidal waters.

4VAC20-880-30. Hard crab pot limits.

A. From May 1, 2008, through November 30, 2008, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish more than 255 hard crab pots in the tributaries of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay. After March 16, 2009, it It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish more than 210 255 hard crab pots in the tributaries of the mainstem Chesapeake Bay or the Potomac River tributaries.

B. From May 1, 2008, through November 30, 2008, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish more than 425 hard crab pots in the mainstem Chesapeake Bay and coastal area. After March 16, 2009, it It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish more than 350 425 hard crab pots in the mainstem Chesapeake Bay or coastal area.

C. From May 1, 2008, through November 30, 2008, it shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish more than a combined total of 425 hard crab pots in Virginia tidal waters. After March 16, 2009, it It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set or fish more than 350 425 hard crab pots in Virginia tidal waters.

D. It shall be unlawful for any person to take or catch hard crabs or peeler crabs using any type of pot other than a licensed hard crab pot or peeler pot except as provided in § 28.2-226 of the Code of Virginia.