Virginia’s summer flounder fishery is one of the commonwealth’s most valuable saltwater fisheries. Each year, thousands of anglers visit Virginia coastal towns in search of flounder. The economic benefits include local recreational fishing industries as well as restaurants, hotels, and … Continued
Jack G. Travelstead was recently named as commissioner of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Mr. Travelstead has served with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission since 1981. He has been chief of the Fisheries Management Division since 1984, and deputy commissioner … Continued
Deep dropping off the Virginia coast for grouper, tilefish, black sea bass, and other deep sea species has gained popularity in recent years. In the future, these and other offshore fisheries could be impacted by new deep sea coral management … Continued
Each year, from November to April, fishermen and other mariners encounter whales as they migrate along the Virginia coast. During this time, the Coast Guard, in partnership with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service, enforces the Ship Strike … Continued
2012 Virginia black sea bass regulations will include a 12.5 inch minimum size, possession limit of 25 fish, and open seasons from May 19 – October 14 and November 1 – December 31, according to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Tautog Management Board has lowered the harvest reduction necessary for states to comply with Addendum VI. Under the revised stock assessment update, states from Connecticut through Virginia are required to reduce harvest by 39% … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission recently reported that its Tautog Stock Assessment Subcommittee has identified and corrected errors in the 2011 stock assessment update. Originally, the assessment indicated a 53% reduction was needed to meet the Addendum VI fishing … Continued
NOAA Fisheries will hold a 3-day Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel meeting March 13 through March 15, 2012. During the event, options will be considered for the conservation and management of Atlantic highly migratory species. The meeting is open … Continued
Atlantic coastal states from Maine through Georgia have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on the Public Information Document (PID) for Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. The date, time, and location of the … Continued
2012 Virginia summer flounder regulations have been established. For the 2012 fishing season, the minimum size for flounder will be 16 1/2 inches with a 4 fish possession limit. The regulations will become effective on 3/1/12. source: VMRC