Tag Archives: Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC)
Virginia considers opening blue crab winter dredge fishery, would mean reducing daily bushel limits of hard pot crabbers
After closing the winter dredge fishery for Chesapeake blue crab for seven years straight to help the struggling stock rebuild, the state is inching closer toward reopening it this winter. The Crab Management Advisory Committee of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) voted overwhelmingly last week to recommend ending the closure — a move that actually puts the committee at odds with VMRC staff and its commissioner, who recommend keeping the ban in place. Read the rest here 07:23
“Oyster thieves are on notice,” poachers will soon face stiffer penalties in Virginia
VMRC commissioner John Bull said in a statement Tuesday. “This new law escalates the potential punishments for egregious violations of our tidal natural resources.” “The vast majority of commercial watermen are honest and law-abiding,” Lauderman said. “But a relatively small number of thieves continue to cause a serious problem that is not diminishing.” VMRC regulates fisheries in the state and also oversees the Marine Police. Read the rest here 19:28
Blue crab panel: Take action to avoid fishery collapse
Convinced that the state’s management plan to rebuild the decimated blue crab stock is failing, a commercial watermen’s advisory panel is urging a new approach to avoid a collapse of the fishery. Catch Shares? Cooler heads prevail. So far! Read more here 09:40
Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay: When Partnerships Work
Too often, environmental groups, regulators and fishermen find themselves cast in antagonistic roles on marine issues. Prolonged legal and regulatory battles frequently top headlines, while successful conservation partnerships go unheralded. The Chesapeake Bay, long plagued by problems like pollution and runoff, is benefitting from one such partnership. Read more here 11:10
Virginia Crabbers feel the pinch of slim pickings
Newport News, Va., Daily Press – Michael Diggs of Poquoson has been a waterman for more than 40 years, and says the blue crab harvest as the 2013 season kicks in is slim pickings. “Oh, Lord, things are tight,” Diggs, 62, said Monday. “One good week — since then, it’s been downhill.” During the first week of the crab season in mid-March, he said he was catching 25 to 30 bushels a day around Buckroe and Grandview. His haul dropped rapidly to seven or eight bushels. continued
