mrc.state.va.usVirginia Marine Resources Commission

VMRC COVID-19 INFORMATION | COVID-19 FISHERIES DISASTER RELIEF Virginia Marine Resources Commission Agency Agency Meetings Agency News Agency Overview Board Members Advisory Committees Staff Directory Historical Highlights Map of Field Offices Map of License Agents Services Recreational Fishing Commercial Fishing Fisheries Management Habitat Management Marine Police Administrative Services FAQ's Regulations Forms & Permits Forms Permitting & Licensing License Fees Permitting Requirements for Habitat Joint Permit Application Local Wetland Boards Permitting Requirements for Fisheries Recreational Species Permits FIP Registration Trophy Striped Bass Permit Grouper/Tilefish Permit Links & Maps Contact Learn about FIP requirements for unlicensed saltwater fishermen Learn More Recreational cobia season starts June 1, 2020 - get your permit now Learn More VMRC offices are closed until further notice due to COVID-19 pandemic Learn More Saltwater recreational fishing rules for 2020 are posted Learn More COVID-19 fisheries disaster relief survey released Learn More Updated recreational crabbing rules have been posted Learn More Previous Next Home Recreational Fishing Recreational Fishing Rules Recreational Crabbing Rules License Requirements FIP Registration Recreational Species Permits Permits/Reporting FAQs Saltwater Journal Charter Boat Reporting -- Report Tagged Fish Commercial Fishing Recent Regulations Public Regulatory Notices Quota and Licenses for Sale Commercial Licensing Online Harvest Reporting Oyster Resource User Fees Oyster Harvest Safety Training Law Enforcement LE Field Offices Map of LE Field Offices VMRC Regulations Seafood Safety Boating Safety Habitat Management Habitat Permits Habitat Advisory Committee Territory Assignments Oyster Ground Leasing Shellfish Aquaculture Pending Lease Applications Agency News May 20, 2020: the released the results of the 2019 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey, which shows the blue crab population in Chesapeake Bay remains resilient and within healthy ranges. [ Press Release ] May 19, 2020: The Commission has released a survey to help the agency determine priorities and ensure that VMRC is making the best use of the limited NOAA fisheries disaster relief funds. Marine fisheries participants, as outlined in the survey, should respond to the survey by June 1, 2020. [ Survey Announcement | Fisheries Disaster Relief Survey ] May 12, 2020: COVID-19 fisheries disaster relief program information has been posted. [ Disaster Relief Information Page | Press Release ] The Crab Management Advisory Committee (CMAC) will meet electronically at 4:00 PM on May 21, 2020 to discuss the results of the 2019/2020 Blue Crab Winter Dredge Survey. Please see the Commission Calendar ( https://www.mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm ) for public participation information and an access link to be used at the meeting time. The public notice and tentative agenda for the electronic-only May Commission meeting has been posted. [ Public Notice | Tentative Agenda ] May 8, 2020: Effective May 15th and per the authority in the Governor's Executive Orders 53 and 55, Charter Fishing Vessels are allowed to resume operation under the following rules . These rules were developed with input from the industry and guidance from the CDC. These guidelines will remain in effect until further notice from VMRC. We will continue to work with the Governor's office to decide when to ease these guidelines. If you have any additional questions please email fisheries@mrc.virginia.gov . [ Charter Fishing Reopen Rules ] April 30, 2020: Commercial Fishermen, the license renewal deadline of April 30th has been extended until further notice during the MRC's COVID-19 office closure. Once the offices re-open their will be a grace period before 2020 licenses will be required. Visit our COVID-19 Information Page for more updates on interim procedures for commercial fishermen during MRC's COVID-19 office closure. [ COVID-19 Information Page ] April 29, 2020: Interim procedures regarding priority rights in regards to crab traps and pounds, offshore summer flounder fishery season extension, and Charter Captains and expired Merchant Mariner Credentials have been posted on the agency COVID-19 Information Page . April 28, 2020: At today's Commission Meeting, the Commission voted unanimously to approve amendments to Chapter 4 VAC 20-1270-10 et seq., "Pertaining to Atlantic Menhaden," for the VMRC to accept management authority from the Virginia's General Assembly, to be in compliance with the ASMFC's Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan, and to avoid a statewide moratorium of the fishery effective June 17, 2020. [ Commission Results | Press Release ] April 27, 2020: Virginia Announces the Recreational Black Sea Bass Season - the is extending the recreational black sea bass season in 4 VAC 20-950-45 to be open from May 29 to December 31. This closes the regular May 15 to December 31 season for 14 days to account for 14,236 pounds of black sea bass landed during the February recreational season. All other regulations pertaining to the recreational black sea bass fishery remain in effect. This action is pursuant to the authority afforded to the Commissioner by the Governor's Executive Order 51(C) and in agreement with the Secretary of Natural Resources. Click here for the news archive VMRC in the News -- Commissioner’s Message Welcome to the . We serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources, and protectors of its tidal waters and homelands, for present and future generations. We manage saltwater fishing, both recreational and commercial. We work to create and maintain sustainable fisheries for the benefit of all anglers and the ecosystem. We also manage water bottoms in public trust for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Our Habitat Management Division works with those who wish to use them for piers or water-dependent projects. Our Law Enforcement Division, the Virginia Marine Police, patrols the waterways to enforce the regulations and to assist citizens in need. We take our duties seriously, striving always to serve the public in a professional, responsive and responsible way. Please join us as protectors of our critical natural resources so that they remain for our children and grandchildren to enjoy them as we do. Steven G. Bowman, Commissioner, VMRC Important Links Copyright © 1996-2020 Questions or Comments? Email Web-Info For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646 Site Index Privacy Policy VMRC Checkbook VMRC Organization Chart Employment...