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

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

Effective Date: October 1, 2011.

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

Summary:

This amendment closes the crab dredge fishery for the December 2011 through March 2012 season.

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, 2010 2011, through March 31, 2011 2012, 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B. The following regulations that pertain to the crab dredge fishery or activities associated with crab dredging are repealed: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"