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VMRC grants Captain William Newell relief: 599‑lb striped bass overage deducted from next season; 2‑year probation imposed
Summary
After public comment and testimony from fellow watermen, the commission voted to deduct a 599‑pound striped bass overage from Captain William Newell's next season quota, impose two years of probation and waive the automatic one‑year suspension; motion passed unanimously.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 23 voted to allow Captain William (Billy) Newell to keep fishing this season while deducting a 599‑pound overage from his next season’s striped bass (rockfish) quota and placing him on a two‑year probation, rather than imposing the automatic one‑year suspension provided in the regulations.
Newell, who identified himself as a commercial waterman with roughly 40 years’ experience, told the commission he inadvertently used extra tags left on his boat by guests and reported the overage at the earliest opportunity. He said: “I reported every pound, every fish... I have a system I use.” Newell asked for leniency on a first‑time occurrence in a long career.
Beverly Ledford, a commercial waterman who spoke in support, urged leniency and told commissioners she had known Newell for years and described him as “an upright and honest man” whose oversight she considered unintentional.
Chief staff summarized the regulation (Regulation 252.155 in the transcript) that prescribes penalties for striped bass quota overages, including a possible one‑year suspension and a permanent deduction of the overage. Commissioners discussed options and voted on a motion by Associate Member Headley to deduct the 599 pounds from Newell’s 2026 quota, impose no suspension and not permanently reduce his quota; the motion included a two‑year probation period as an amendment and was accepted. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Under the commission action, Newell must have the 599‑pound overage removed from the following year’s allocation; he will also be on probation for two years, during which any further overage would likely bring him back before the commission for enforcement action. The deduction will be applied through standard quota accounting, staff said.
Commissioners said the decision balanced enforcement of harvest limits with recognition of Newell’s long service and otherwise clean record. The commission noted that the statutory/regulatory penalty structure remains in place and that similar relief would require a proper motion and vote; this action applies specifically to Newell’s case.
No change to the underlying regulation was adopted at the meeting; staff and commissioners said they would follow the regulatory process for any broader changes.
