In a recent public hearing, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) proposed significant amendments to regulations concerning oceanic white tip sharks. The amendments aim to align state regulations with federal guidelines set by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Currently listed as threatened, oceanic white tip sharks will be moved from the permitted harvest list to the prohibited species list for both commercial and recreational fishing. This change is intended to enhance conservation efforts for the species, which is rarely targeted in commercial fisheries.

The commission unanimously approved the staff's recommendation to amend Chapter 4, Section 20 of the regulations, effectively prohibiting the harvest of oceanic white tip sharks. The decision reflects a broader commitment to maintaining consistency between state and federal regulations regarding endangered marine species.

Additionally, the commission discussed recommendations from the Commercial Fishing Advisory Board (CFAB) regarding the allocation of funds from the Marine Fishing Improvement Fund. The board, which currently has nine members, reviewed two funding applications during their meeting on August 13. The first request, amounting to $176,040, is for a project led by Virginia Commonwealth University to support a Fisheries Coordinator focused on commercial fisheries and offshore wind energy development. The second request seeks an additional $8,000 for the ongoing biological monitoring of river herring, a project that has received annual funding of approximately $40,000.

Both funding requests were unanimously supported by the CFAB, bringing the total recommended funding to $184,040. The commission's actions underscore its ongoing commitment to marine resource management and conservation initiatives in Virginia.