NOAA’s Fisheries Service has launched a voluntary program to encourage commercial and recreational fishermen to safely release Atlantic shortfin mako sharks alive and report the releases to NOAA for posting on an online map. The new program is designed to … Continued
Saltwater anglers may fish in Virginia without a license during the first weekend in June. Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Steven G. Bowman endorsed the free saltwater fishing days, as permitted by state law. The state’s free fishing days, June 3-5, … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s South Atlantic State/Federal Fisheries Management Board recently approved Addendum I to Amendment I to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Croaker. The Addendum changes the management unit to one region (New Jersey through … Continued
The ASMFC Tautog Management Board recently approved Addendum VI to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Tautog. With the latest assessment indicating that the stock continues to be overfished with overfishing occurring, the plan is expected to mean cuts in … Continued
A Virginia man set a new North Carolina state record for bluefin when he reeled in an 805-pound, 8-ounce fish off Oregon Inlet. Corey Schultz, of Waverly, Va., caught the fish on March 12, 2011 aboard the Sea Breeze out … Continued
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment from boaters and other stakeholders to help develop proposed regulations, as required by the 2008 Clean Boating Act, to reduce water pollution and the spread of invasive species in the … Continued
In Virginia, anglers have several choices of bait, tackle, and equipment for catching flounder. Flounder Baits Mummichogs, known locally as “bull minnows” are by far the most popular bait for catching flounder in Virginia. These hardy baits are inexpensive, readily … Continued
In February, VMRC voted to implement new flounder regulations for 2011. The minimum size for summer flounder will be 17.5 inches, with a 4 fish creel limit, and no seasonal closures. The new regulations decrease the minimum size from the … Continued
NOAA Fisheries will hold a meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel on April 5-7, 2011, in Silver Spring, Maryland. The intent of this meeting is to consider alternatives for the conservation and management of Atlantic tunas, swordfish, … Continued
Virginia has scheduled its hearing to gather public comment on Draft Addendum XXI to the Black Sea Bass Fishery Management Plan. The date, time, and location of the scheduled Virginia meeting follows: Virginia Marine Resources Commission March 7, 2011; 6 … Continued