28.2-309 - Distance nets may extend across body of water or channel; prohibition; regulations; penalty. - Virginia Statutes

§ 28.2-309. Distance nets may extend across body of water or channel;prohibition; regulations; penalty.

A. It is unlawful to set or fish any net or nets across any river, bay,estuary, creek, or inlet which are longer than one-fourth the width of thebody of water from mean low water to mean low water at the point where thenet or nets are set or fished.

B. It is unlawful to set or fish any net, other than a menhaden net, in anyportion of a marked channel of a river, bay, estuary, creek, or inlet whichhas navigation aids installed or approved by any agency of government.However, the prohibitions and restrictions on setting nets contained in thissubsection shall not apply to any net set on the eastern or ocean side of theCounties of Accomack and Northampton. The Commission shall have the authorityto promulgate regulations governing the setting of any net on the eastern orocean side of the Counties of Accomack and Northampton.

C. It shall be unlawful to set or fish any net which is a hazard tonavigation.

D. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of aClass 3 misdemeanor.

(Code 1950, § 28-47; 1950, p. 981; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-53; 1968, c. 748;1990, c. 212; 1991, c. 683; 1992, c. 836.)