Effective July 5, 2022, no shortfin mako sharks may be landed or retained in any U.S. Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fishery until further notice, according to NOAA Fisheries. NOAA’s final rule establishes a shortfin mako shark retention limit of … Continued
In December, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) adjusted the 2021-2023 recreational cobia management measures to comply with the ASMFC Cobia Fishery Management Plan. 2021 management measures include: a season of June 15-September 15 a 1 fish per person, 2 … Continued
The Secretary of Commerce recently declared a moratorium on the Atlantic menhaden fisheries in Virginia waters, effective June 17, 2020. The Secretary of Commerce concurs with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) finding that the Commonwealth of Virginia is … Continued
This article provides an overview of Atlantic striped bass regulations in Virginia for the 2020 fishing season. Also included is information related to federal and state striped bass management. For the most recent updates of Virginia fishing regulations, visit the … Continued
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board recently approved Addendum VI to Amendment 6 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass. The Addendum reduces all state commercial quotas by 18%, and implements … Continued
In October, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) found the Commonwealth of Virginia out of compliance with a mandatory management measure contained in Amendment 3 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (IFMP) for Atlantic Menhaden. ASMFC will notify the … Continued
In April, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to enact an emergency closure for the spring recreational striped bass trophy season. The emergency measure will eliminate the spring striped bass trophy season in the Bay from May 1 … Continued
Updated Atlantic HMS Recreational and Commercial Fishery Compliance Guides are now available. The new guides are designed to help fishermen comply with federal regulations for tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes in the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Carribean. The … Continued
After responding to over 700 false alerts in 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard is urging anyone with an emergency position indicating radio beacon to properly register their device. An EPIRB is a device that transmits a distress signal to a … Continued
Beginning January 1, 2019, all Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) tournaments will be required to submit catch summaries, according to NOAA Fisheries. An Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) tournament is a tournament that awards points or prizes for catching Atlantic … Continued