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SMAC recommends allowing mechanically assisted hand tongs for clean‑cull only; motion to forward to commission
Summary
After presentations and video demonstrations, the Shellfish Management Advisory Committee voted to recommend that VMRC allow mechanically assisted hand tongs for clean‑cull operations only; committee members said the devices ease physical strain but do not increase catch limits and staff will forward the recommendation to the commission.
The Shellfish Management Advisory Committee considered whether to permit mechanically assisted hand tongs, devices that use an electric or small motor‑assisted pull to help raise tongs against the current. JC (committee presenter) said Virginia does not currently allow mechanically assisted hand tongs though they are permitted in Maryland and on the Potomac. JC said proponents view the devices as an optional accommodation for older…
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