28.2-408 - Food fish not to be taken, bought, or sold; percentage allowable; penalty. - Virginia Statutes

§ 28.2-408. Food fish not to be taken, bought, or sold; percentage allowable;penalty.

A. It is unlawful to take, catch or round up with purse net, for any purpose,food fish in an amount greater than one percent of the whole catch. If foodfish represent more than one percent of the whole catch, the net shall beopened immediately and the food fish released while alive.

B. It is unlawful for any vessel licensed for the purpose of menhaden fishingto catch any food fish for the purpose of marketing; for any person to havein his possession food fish in an amount greater than one percent of the bulkfor the purpose of manufacturing them into fertilizer, fish meal, or oil; orfor any person to use in any manner any food fish, in an amount greater thanone percent of the bulk for the purpose of fertilizing or improving the soil.

C. Any person violating any provision of this section is guilty of a Class 1misdemeanor, and the license on such person's boat or net shall be revoked bycourt order for the remainder of the season.

(Code 1950, § 28-60; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-58; 1964, c. 393; 1966, c. 696;1992, c. 836.)