Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-320. Fish: Fishing Generally (amending 4VAC15-320-50).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

August 22, 2018 - 9 a.m. - Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: July 28, 2018.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments prohibit the use of any species of fish as bait in Virginia's candy darter streams of the New River drainage, including Big Stony Creek in Giles County, Dismal Creek in Bland and Giles Counties, Laurel Creek in Bland County, and Cripple Creek in Smyth and Wythe Counties, to prevent the introduction of nonnative fish species in those streams.

4VAC15-320-50. Fish used as bait prohibited in certain waters.

It shall be unlawful to use any species of fish as bait in the waters and tributaries of Lick Creek in Smyth and Bland counties, Bear Creek in Smyth County, and Laurel Creek in Tazewell and Bland counties, Big Stony Creek in Giles County, Dismal Creek in Bland and Giles Counties, Laurel Creek in Bland County, and Cripple Creek in Smyth and Wythe Counties.