TITLE 4. CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION

REGISTRAR’S NOTICE: The following regulations filed by the Marine Resources Commission are exempt from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 12 of the Code of Virginia; however, the commission is required to publish the full text of final regulations.

Final Regulation

Title of Regulation: 4VAC20-252. Pertaining to the Taking of Striped Bass (amending 4VAC20-252-90, 4VAC20-252-100).

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

Effective Date: November 1, 2008.

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 change the dates for the possession limit of two fish per person to October 4 through December 20, and the possession limit of one fish per person to December 21 through December 31 for the bay fall recreational striped bass fishery and the Potomac River tributaries fall recreational striped bass fishery.

4VAC20-252-90. Bay fall striped bass recreational fishery.

A. The open season for the bay fall striped bass recreational fishery shall be October 4 through December 31, inclusive.

B. The area open for this fishery shall be the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

C. The minimum size limit for this fishery shall be 18 inches total length.

D. The maximum size limit for this fishery shall be 28 inches total length, except as provided in subsection F G of this section.

E. The possession limit for this fishery shall be two fish per person from October 4 through December 9 20.

F. The possession limit for this fishery shall be one fish per person from December 10 21 through December 31.

G. The possession limits described in subsection E and F of this section may consist of only one striped bass 34 inches or greater.

4VAC20-252-100. Potomac River tributaries summer/fall striped bass recreational fishery.

A. The open season for the Potomac River tributaries fall striped bass fishery shall correspond to the open fall season as established by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for the mainstem Potomac River.

B. The area open for this fishery shall be the Potomac River tributaries.

C. The minimum size limit for this fishery shall be 18 inches total length.

D. The maximum size limit for this fishery shall be 28 inches total length, except as provided in subsection F G of this section.

E. The possession limit for this fishery shall be two fish per person from October 4 through December 9 20.

F. The possession limit for this fishery shall be one fish per person from December 10 21 through December 31.

G. The possession limits described in subsection E and F of this section may consist of only one striped bass 34 inches or greater.

VA.R. Doc. No. R09-1669; Filed October 30, 2008, 11:07 a.m.