VMRC tweaks recreational rules: bluefish bag limits raised; black sea bass options sent to public hearing; February payback planned The commission set private/for‑hire bluefish bag limits equally at five fish, agreed to advertise alternative black sea bass options (including possible 12.5" and 13" minimums and season start dates) for April public comment, and directed staff on mid‑season closures to fulfill February black sea bass payback days.

Virginia's VMRC is shaking up fishing regulations with new bluefish limits and two exciting options for black sea bass—what does this mean for anglers?

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#VA #VirginiaFisheries #CitizenPortal #RegulatoryTransparency #PublicOutreach #SustainableFishing

Senator warns of harms to Virginia fisheries, urges review of Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission role Senator Stewart told the committee Virginia is being treated unfairly within the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, citing near-40% cuts to menhaden quotas that risk local jobs; conservation groups urged remaining in the compact while the committee moved to refer the matter to finance for study.

Senator Stewart warns that drastic cuts to Virginia's menhaden quota could threaten local seafood jobs and the future of the Reedville processing plant.

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#VA #JobProtection #CoastalManagement #VirginiaFisheries #CitizenPortal #SustainableFishing

Bill to change Potomac River Fisheries appointments is tabled after recorded vote HB 843, which would change Virginia’s appointment method for the Potomac River Fisheries Commission to mirror Maryland, was laid on the table by a 6–4 recorded vote after testimony and debate; VMRC and the commission had indicated support for the measure.

Virginia's proposal to align Potomac River Fisheries appointments with Maryland's practices has been tabled, igniting a heated debate over the future of the commission's leadership!

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#VA #LegislativeReform #VirginiaFisheries #CitizenPortal #InstitutionalKnowledge

Subcommittee carries over bill directing VMRC to develop fisheries climate-adaptation plan HB 389, directing the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to develop and maintain a science-based fisheries climate adaptation plan, was carried over for a year with a letter from the chair; supporters said climate impacts are already affecting fisheries and urged continued work.

Virginia is taking a crucial step to safeguard its fisheries by developing a science-based climate adaptation plan, but more work lies ahead!

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#VA #CoastalEconomies #FisheriesManagement #VirginiaFisheries #ClimateAdaptation #CitizenPortal

Community discusses improvements to Saltwater Journal for better fisheries data Participants emphasize data transparency and technological advances for effective fisheries management

Virginia's Finfish Management Advisory Committee is diving deep into how extending fishing seasons could impact both local livelihoods and sustainable practices—do we have the right data to make informed decisions?

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaFisheries #SustainableFishing

Virginia Commission discusses Atlantic Menhaden regulation amid conflict of interest concerns Commission addresses conflict of interest prior to hearing on Atlantic Menhaden regulation.

At a recent Virginia Marine Resources Commission meeting, tensions flared as members confronted potential conflicts of interest while shaping the future of the crucial Atlantic menhaden fishery.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaFisheries #SustainableFishing #CommunityTrust

Virginia Fisheries Council proposes shark fishing regulation changes for spiny dogfish Council seeks to amend gill net restrictions to protect endangered species by May 1

Virginia's Marine Resources Commission just made pivotal decisions that could reshape the future of local fisheries, igniting both hope and concern among stakeholders.

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#VA #MarineEcosystem #CitizenPortal #VirginiaFisheries #SustainableFishing #FisheriesManagement

Virginia commission approves extended gillnet season for Spanish mackerel and bluefish The commission votes to extend drift gillnet season from May 1 to October 15.

Virginia's Marine Resources Commission just approved a game-changing extended gillnet season for Spanish mackerel and bluefish, empowering local fishermen while prioritizing sustainable practices!

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#VA #CitizenPortal #VirginiaFisheries #MarineResourceManagement