28.2-203.1 - Blue crab fishery management plan. - Virginia Statutes

§ 28.2-203.1. Blue crab fishery management plan.

A. The Commission shall prepare, in consultation with the Virginia Instituteof Marine Science, other educational institutions and representatives ofindustry and interested parties, and then implement a blue crab fisherymanagement plan. The plan shall build upon previously developed plans,including consideration of plans adopted by the multi-state Chesapeake BayProgram, and shall be consistent with the standards for fishery conservationand management set out in § 28.2-203. The plan shall be designed to reverseany fishing practices, environmental stress and habitat deteriorationnegatively impacting the short and long term viability and sustainability ofthe crab stock in Virginia waters. The Commission shall consider the economicimpact to Virginia of proposed legislative and regulatory changes. Theprotection of spawning stock, nursery areas and habitat shall be of primeconsideration in the plan. At a minimum the plan shall include, but not belimited to:

1. Measures to protect and enhance crab habitat and nursery areas.

2. Suggested measures to assure water quality conditions necessary for bluecrab survival and reproduction, including identification of areas where waterquality is such that onshore mechanisms for water quality protection areneeded 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 softshell crabs; (vii) size limits; (viii) the use of cull rings and the use ofcrab 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 theGovernor and the General Assembly on the progress and implementation of theblue crab fisheries management plan.

(1995, c. 356.)