Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Public Hearing-Crab Dredge Fisheries and 2013 Tautog Regulations- VMRC Meeting-October 30, 2012 12:00 Noon

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission invites public comment on the proposed amendments to regulations listed below.

In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held at 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia.  Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Robert L. O’Reilly, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 29, 2012.  Copies of the proposed regulations may be reviewed at the Commission Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and may be obtained by calling the Commission at (757) 247-2248.

I.  Chapter 4 VAC20-1140-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Prohibition of Crab Dredging in Virginia Waters”

The Commission will consider a Fishery Management Division recommendation to close the December 2012 through March 2013 crab dredge fishery season.  The Commission has closed the last four consecutive crab dredge fishery seasons.  During this winter 2012-13 period VIMS and VMRC will conduct a study to assess incidental mortality of blue crab associated with this gear type.

CCA Virginia believes the crab dredge fishery is destructive to the mostly female crabs that bury in the bottom of the bay over the winter. Also, the crab dredge fishery is destructive to the flora and fauna, sponges, mussels, coral, sea worms and other bottom dwellers and structure that provide food and shelter for crabs and finfish. In addition, the crabs that are harvested from the crab dredge fishery are a very low quality product. At least as many crabs are broken and killed by the dredges as are landed --- some estimates indicate the waste is up to 2 to 3 times the harvest.

Please send a letter or email to Robert O’Reilly requesting that the winter crab dredge fishery be closed for the December 2012 through March 2013 season.

A personal letter in your own words concerning the closure of the winter crab dredge fishery would be the best way to communicate your desires regarding the blue crab fishery. If you believe the crab dredge fishery should remain closed on a permanent basis then you should put that statement in your letter. If you do not have the time for a personal letter then there is a sample letter provided below.

Address your letter or email to:
Robert O’Reilly, Chief, Fisheries Management
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newport News, VA 23607
Email rob.o'reilly@mrc.virginia.gov

Sample Letter
Robert O’Reilly, Chief, Fisheries Management
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
2066 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newport News, VA 23607

Dear Mr. O’Reilly,
I would like to provide my support for continuing to protect the portion of the female crab population that winter over in the lower Chesapeake Bay by keeping the crab dredge fishery closed for the winter of 2012/2013.
Sincerely,
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II.  Chapter 4VAC20-960-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Tautog”

The Commission proposes to modify the 2013 recreational and commercial tautog fishery management measures.  Proposed amendments for the recreational fishery could include adjusting the closed season dates, changing the minimum size limit, or the possession limit.  Current recreational tautog regulations for Virginia include a closed season from April 16 through July 31, a four fish possession limit, and a 16-inch minimum size limit.

The Fisheries Management Advisory Committee(FMAC) at the last meeting on September 24th recommended two options for the 2013 recreational tautog season that are listed below:

Size       Bag        Closed Season                Closed Days      % Reduction
16        4              April 20- July 31                    103                   39.0
16        3           May 1- September 19                    142                   39.2

Address your letter or email concerning your favorite choice of options for the 2013 recreational tautog season to:

Robert O’Reilly, Chief, Fisheries Management
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Newport News, VA 23607
Email rob.o'reilly@mrc.virginia.gov

Sample Letter

Dear Mr. O’Reilly,

I support the tautog option of the minimum size of 16” and a bag limit of 4 fish and a closed season April 20th-July 31st.

OR

I support the tautog option of the minimum size of 16” and a bag limit of 3 fish and a closed season May1st-Sepember 19th.

Name
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