REGULATIONS
Vol. 35 Iss. 19 - May 13, 2019

TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
Chapter 450
Final Regulation

REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Marine Resources Commission is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 11 of the Code of Virginia; however, the commission is required to publish the full text of final regulations.

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-450. Pertaining to the Taking of Bluefish (amending 4VAC20-450-30; adding 4VAC20-450-15).

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

Effective Date: May 1, 2019.

Agency Contact: Jennifer Farmer, Regulatory Coordinator, Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651, telephone (757) 247-2248, or email jennifer.farmer@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendment establishes the 2019 commercial bluefish quota as 915,857 pounds.

4VAC20-450-15. Definitions.

The following word or term when used in this chapter shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Bluefish" means any fish of the species Pomatomus saltatrix.

4VAC20-450-30. Commercial landings quota.

A. The commercial landings of bluefish shall be limited to 860,518 915,857 pounds during the current calendar year.

B. When it is projected that 95% of the commercial landings quota has been realized, a notice will be posted to close commercial harvest and landings from the bluefish fishery within five days of posting.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person to harvest or land bluefish for commercial purposes after the closure date set forth in the notice described in subsection B of this section.

VA.R. Doc. No. R19-5975; Filed April 25, 2019, 4:52 p.m.