A. The Commission shall prepare, in consultation with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, other educational institutions and representatives of industry and interested parties, and then implement a blue crab fishery management plan. The plan shall build upon previously developed plans, including consideration of plans adopted by the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Program, and shall be consistent with the standards for fishery conservation and management set out in § 28.2-203. The plan shall be designed to reverse any fishing practices, environmental stress and habitat deterioration negatively impacting the short and long term viability and sustainability of the crab stock in Virginia waters. The Commission shall consider the economic impact to Virginia of proposed legislative and regulatory changes. The protection of spawning stock, nursery areas and habitat shall be of prime consideration in the plan. At a minimum the plan shall include, but not be limited to:
1. Measures to protect and enhance crab habitat and nursery areas.
2. Suggested measures to assure water quality conditions necessary for blue crab survival and reproduction, including identification of areas where water quality is such that onshore mechanisms for water quality protection are needed to protect and restore crab populations and habitat areas.
3. A review of current and proposed regulations and restrictions relating to: (i) winter dredging; (ii) commercial licensing; (iii) spawning stock; (iv) nursing sanctuaries; (v) submerged aquatic vegetation; (vi) peeler and soft shell crabs; (vii) size limits; (viii) the use of cull rings and the use of crab pots; and (ix) time of day restrictions and closed seasons.
4. Recommended legislative changes if necessary to implement the plan.
B. The Commission shall, on or before December 1 of each year, report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the progress and implementation of the blue crab fisheries management plan.
1995, c. 356.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters
Chapter 2 - General Provisions
§ 28.2-202. Commissioner; fishery powers
§ 28.2-203. Commission to prepare fishery management plans; standards
§ 28.2-203.1. Blue crab fishery management plan
§ 28.2-204. Authority to collect fisheries statistics
§ 28.2-204.1. Limited sale of gear licenses and permits; regulations
§ 28.2-205. Scientific collection permits; penalty
§ 28.2-206. Virginia Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournament
§ 28.2-207. Tournament Advisory Committee continued
§ 28.2-208. Marine Fishing Improvement Fund continued
§ 28.2-208.1. Commercial Fishing Advisory Board established
§ 28.2-208.2. Menhaden Management Advisory Committee established
§ 28.2-209. Publication of proposed regulations
§ 28.2-210. Adoption of emergency regulations
§ 28.2-211. Hearing on proposed regulations
§ 28.2-212. Adoption of regulations
§ 28.2-213. Distribution of new regulations
§ 28.2-214. Right of petition to Commission
§ 28.2-215. Judicial review of validity of regulations
§ 28.2-216. Hearings before Commission
§ 28.2-217. Procedure of hearing
§ 28.2-218. Finding, award, etc., of Commission
§ 28.2-219. Judicial review in contested cases
§ 28.2-220. Appeals to Court of Appeals
§ 28.2-221. Proof of posting of notices
§ 28.2-223. Appointment of officers
§ 28.2-224. Collection of license fees
§ 28.2-225. Fishing license required; penalty
§ 28.2-226. Exemptions from licensing requirements
§ 28.2-226.1. Recreational gear license required
§ 28.2-227. Special nonresident harvester's license; fee and oath; revocation; penalty
§ 28.2-228. Licenses for purchase of fish, shellfish, or marine organisms from the catcher; fee
§ 28.2-228.1. Seafood landing licenses
§ 28.2-229. When licenses terminate; proration and refund not permitted
§ 28.2-230. Penalty for false statements or altering a fishing license; penalty
§ 28.2-231. Exhibition of license; display to officers; penalty
§ 28.2-232. Revocation of licenses
§ 28.2-233. License tags or identification generally
§ 28.2-234. License tags and identification numbers to be fastened; penalty
§ 28.2-235. Duty to apply for new tag in case of loss; penalty
§ 28.2-236. Seizure of unmarked devices
§ 28.2-237. Removal of abandoned pole or stake; revocation of licenses for failure to remove stakes
§ 28.2-238. Concealing name or number of vessel; penalty
§ 28.2-239. Exemptions from article
§ 28.2-241. Registration of commercial fishermen required; exemption; penalty
§ 28.2-242. Report of harvest required
§ 28.2-243. Commission to promulgate regulations
§ 28.2-244. Purchase of shellfish or finfish; penalty
§ 28.2-245. Fishery Resource Grant Fund established; purpose; Consortium to award grants
§ 28.2-246. Fishery Resource Grant Advisory Board established; membership; duties
§ 28.2-247. Graduate Marine Science Consortium to submit report