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VMRC approves rockfish fishery changes

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission unanimously approved emergency measures Tuesday related to the regulation of the state’s striped bass fishery as it pertains to both recreational and commercial fishing.

The emergency measures, which were approved by a 9-0 vote during the meeting at Fort Monroe, create a bag limit of one fish per angler per day with a maximum size of 36 inches, as well as establishing a maximum gill net mesh size of nine inches in coastal fisheries and seven inches in the Chesapeake Bay.

Previously, recreational anglers were allowed to keep up two fish per day and there was no maximum gill net mesh size imposed on commercial fishing.

“We are continuing our efforts to address the striped bass decline and staff is recommending the commission take emergency actions on striped bass at the commission meeting,” said Ellen Bolen, Deputy Commissioner of VMRC, prior to Tuesday’s session.

According to VMRC staff, a recent scientific assessmen...

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