The Virginia Marine Resources Commission will hold two public hearings during a meeting beginning at noon Tuesday at commission headquarters in Newport News.

One hearing will involve proposed amendments to regulations regarding establishment of oyster sanctuary area. Commission spokesperson Laurie Naismith said the amendment would prohibit any person from possessing any hand scrape, dredge or patent tong gear that could be used to harvest shellfish on public or unassigned grounds, within 100 feet of any oyster sanctuary area.

Public comments on the proposals should be provided to Ben Stagg, VMRC Habitat Management Division, Engineering/Surveying Department, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Va. 23607, or to ben.stagg@mrc.virginia.gov by noon Monday.

Also, the commission will hold a separate hearing to consider proposed amendments that authorizes aquaculture structures. The change will create a requirement to obtain either a permit or consent of nearby residential prop...