2017 Atlantic Cobia Recreational Fishing Closure (Federal Waters)

In January, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) announced a closure of recreational harvests of cobia in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Recreational harvest of Atlantic migratory group cobia (from Georgia to New York) closed at 12:01 a.m. … Continued

New Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Regulations (cobia, grouper, striped bass, tilefish)

Anglers fishing in Virginia will be subject to new regulations for 4 species sport fish: cobia, grouper, striped bass, and tilefish. In December, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted to require recreational anglers to file catch reports in 2017 for … Continued

Deep Sea Coral Protection Area Designated Off Virginia Coast

NOAA Fisheries recently published the final rule for a Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) action to designate a large offshore marine protected area for deep sea corals in the Mid-Atlantic. MAFMC approved the Deep Sea Corals Amendment to the Mackerel, … Continued

Virginia Fisherman Identification Program Hotline Discontinued

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) recently announced that the agency’s Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) toll free operator assisted registration service has been discontinued due to budget constraints. All anglers required to register in FIP must register for themselves online, … Continued

Virginia Cobia Public Information Document (PID) Public Hearings

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Virginia has scheduled a hearing to gather public comment on the Public Information Document (PID) for the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Cobia. The hearing is scheduled for: Virginia Marine Resources Commission December 6, 2016; 6 PM 2600 Washington … Continued