                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

BLUE CRAB FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN (§ 28.2-203.1)

A. The Commission shall prepare, in consultation with the Virginia Institute of
Marine Science, other educational institutions and representatives of industry
and interested parties, and then implement a blue crab fishery management plan.
The plan shall build upon previously developed plans, including consideration of
plans adopted by the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Program, and shall be consistent
with the standards for fishery conservation and management set out in §
28.2-203. The plan shall be designed to reverse any fishing practices,
environmental stress and habitat deterioration negatively impacting the short
and long term viability and sustainability of the crab stock in Virginia waters.
The Commission shall consider the economic impact to Virginia of proposed
legislative and regulatory changes. The protection of spawning stock, nursery
areas and habitat shall be of prime consideration in the plan. At a minimum the
plan shall include, but not be limited to:

   1. Measures to protect and enhance crab habitat and nursery areas.

   2. Suggested measures to assure water quality conditions necessary for blue
   crab survival and reproduction, including identification of areas where water
   quality is such that onshore mechanisms for water quality protection are
   needed to protect and restore crab populations and habitat areas.

   3. A review of current and proposed regulations and restrictions relating to:
   (i) winter dredging; (ii) commercial licensing; (iii) spawning stock; (iv)
   nursing sanctuaries; (v) submerged aquatic vegetation; (vi) peeler and soft
   shell crabs; (vii) size limits; (viii) the use of cull rings and the use of
   crab pots; and (ix) time of day restrictions and closed seasons.

   4. Recommended legislative changes if necessary to implement the plan.

B. The Commission shall, on or before December 1 of each year, report to the
Governor and the General Assembly on the progress and implementation of the blue
crab fisheries management plan.

HISTORY: 1995, c. 356.