Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-950. Pertaining to Black Sea Bass (amending 4VAC20-950-20).

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

Effective Date: January 1, 2022.

Agency Contact: Jennifer Farmer, Marine Resources Commission, 380 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23551, telephone (757) 247-2248, or email jennifer.farmer@mrc.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The amendment changes the Virginia percent allocation of the coastwide commercial black sea bass quota.

4VAC20-950-20. Definitions.

The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

"Annual quota" means Virginia's 20% 15.88% share of the annual coastwide commercial black sea bass quota managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission.

"Black sea bass" means any fish of the species Centropristis striata.

"Land" or "landing" means to (i) enter port with finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, or other marine seafood on board any boat or vessel; (ii) begin offloading finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, or other marine seafood; or (iii) offload finfish, shellfish, crustaceans, or other marine seafood.

"Recreational vessel" means any vessel, kayak, charter vessel, or headboat fishing recreationally.

"Snout" means the most forward projection from a fish's head that includes the upper and lower jaw.

"Total length" means the length of a fish measured from the most forward projection of the snout, with the mouth closed, to the tip of the longer lobe of the tail (caudal) fin, excluding the caudal fin filament, measured with the tail compressed along the midline, using a straight-line measure, not measured over the curve of the body.

"Virginia Saltwater Fisherman's Journal" means the online web-based resource provided by the Marine Resources Commission to report recreational harvest of seafood at https://www.vasaltwaterjournal.com.