Massive ships, sporting sophisticated sonar, GPS, video surveillance, and gear technologies have grown increasingly surgical in their hunt for tuna. Unfortunately, these global fishing fleets continue to bring in record hauls of some species which teeter on the brink of … Continued
The Fifth Coast Guard District commander has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operating schedule of the Berkley Bridge across the Eastern Branch of the Elizabeth River at Norfolk, Va., at the request of the Virginia Department … Continued
The 2009 edition of Virginia Saltwater Anglers Guide is now available online. The Guide has been divided into individual sections to increase download speeds or the full guide may be downloaded. Because of State funding constraints, a printed version of … Continued
Effective Monday, October 5, 2009, NOAA Fisheries Service is closing the recreational fishery for black sea bass. The closure applies to all federal waters north of Cape Hatteras, N.C., for 180 days in response to recent landing data that showed … Continued
Draft Addendum IV to Amendment 4 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Weakfish is now available for public comment at http://www.asmfc.org/breakingNews.htm. The Draft Addendum proposes a range of options to revise the management program’s biological reference points and reduce … Continued
NOAA has joined with private industry and conservation groups to launch Whale SENSE, a new voluntary program that encourages whale-watch tour operators from Maine to Virginia to practice responsible viewing. The program will also recognize businesses that discourage the harassment … Continued
The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force has released its Interim Report for a 30-day public review and comment period. The report provides proposals for a comprehensive approach to uphold our stewardship responsibilities for the oceans. Specifically, the Interim Report proposes … Continued
Live bait can be caught in most Virginia waters using equipment such as cast nets, sabiki rigs, seines, dip nets, minnow and fish traps, and umbrella nets. These options allow anglers to catch live baits such as grass shrimp, crabs, … Continued
Before launching a website to represent a Virginia charter boat or guiding business, owners may want to learn the basics of website layouts. Launching a website for a charter boat or guide service is one of the most important decisions … Continued
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Hampton Roads advises all local mariners and vessel operators that scheduled repairs to the Gilmerton Lift Bridge fendering system will result in restricted operation October 2 through 12. The repairs will replace … Continued