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VMRC votes 6–1 to expand limited-entry shrimp-trawl licenses to 26 and adjust eligibility
Summary
After months of debate, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted to amend Chapter 13.90 to increase the number of limited-entry shrimp-trawl licenses to 26 and to modify eligibility criteria; the decision drew objections from one commissioner who cited consistency concerns.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Dec. 2 voted 6–1 to amend Chapter 13.90 to expand the limited-entry shrimp-trawl program from the previously constrained count to a maximum of 26 licenses and to revise eligibility criteria.
Chief Kenyon (VMRC staff) outlined the rulemaking background: the shrimp-trawl experimental permit began in 2017; staff previously recommended increasing the license cap from 17 to 26. Commissioners had earlier approved 17 with additional eligibility requirements; two subsequent additions brought the active count to 19, and staff recommended reconciling the regulatory maximum to 26 to reflect the original proposal and to align eligibility to those who held experimental permits.
Staff described the proposed regulatory changes to remove the one-pound reporting requirement and to confirm that eligibility would extend to those who previously held experimental gear permits. Chief Kenyon also explained the enforcement mechanism envisioned if license-holders failed to meet effort thresholds (a 500-pound harvest minimum over two years would trigger a lottery reallocation if not met).
Public commenters and several commissioners cautioned against rapid expansion. One longtime waterman noted the Eastern Shore area historically saw little activity and warned that too many licensees concentrated in Virginia Beach could stress local effort. Supporters argued the change would allow more previously engaged watermen to participate and keep licenses in circulation rather than turning them into traded commodities.
Associate member Edwards moved to adopt the amendment; associate member Erskine seconded. After discussion and public testimony, the commission voted to increase the cap to 26. The chair and staff noted that if licensees fail to show the required effort over the review period, the license could revert to a lottery for active participants.
Commissioner Branson recorded the sole recorded dissent in the vote, arguing for a more cautious, data-driven approach and consistency with earlier decisions to hold at lower counts until post-season reporting could be evaluated.
The amendment will take effect according to VMRC regulatory procedures; staff said it would enable currently eligible individuals to purchase the $100 license and would trigger the existing mandatory harvest-reporting validations and buyer-audit checks described in staff—s presentation.
