VMRC keeps commercial electrofishing licenses capped at three, removes size limit and sets pier/gear buffers after contentious public debate

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Feb. 25 voted to retain the existing three commercial electrofishing licenses in tidal rivers but to remove the previous size limit on fish taken by electrofishing, and to clarify buffer zones around piers and fixed fishing gear following extensive public comment and advisory committee discussion.

What the commission approved: After long public testimony and debate, commissioners adopted a motion that (1) leaves the number of commercial electrofishing licenses at three (no expansion at this meeting), (2) removes the electrofishing size limit previously applied to the gear, (3) sets a 300‑yard buffer around piers (public and private, as defined) and fixed fishing devices and (4) retains a 100‑yard buffer around other marked commercial fishing gear. The commission also endorsed staff correspondence and asked for further technical follow-up and interagency…