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VMRC reinstates oyster license for waterman who missed a user-fee payment
Summary
The Marine Resources Commission reinstated an oyster user license for Brandon Martin after staff confirmed he had purchased licenses from 2016–2023 but missed 2024; the commission authorized reinstatement conditioned on payment of the past-due fee.
Brandon Martin addressed the Virginia Marine Resources Commission during public comment on Dec. 2 to request reinstatement of his oyster user license after he missed the 2024 user fee because of financial hardship.
Staff reported Martin had purchased licenses from 2016 through 2023, had filed required reports and had no recent enforcement issues (staff noted a single older incident from 2018). Staff advised the commission that because Martin did not purchase the 2024 user-fee, he was not eligible to re-purchase the license for 2025 through normal online purchase procedures and thus sought commission authorization.
Commissioners discussed options for reentry to the fishery, including the limited mechanisms for direct transfer of a user-fee from someone already in the fishery. Associate member Branson moved to reinstate Martin—s oyster license contingent on payment of the past-due 2024 fee; associate member Preston seconded. The chair recorded the motion as carried.
On the record Martin said he had intended to work this season and would pay the outstanding fee: “I went to go purchase my license in order to work ... and when I went in there to purchase them, the guy told me I couldn't.” The commission used its authority in public comment to restore the license on condition of payment of past-due fees.
The reinstatement permits Martin to participate in the oyster fishery once the past-due user-fee is paid and any normal licensing paperwork is completed. Commissioners urged license-holders to pay user fees on time, reminding the public those fees support fishery management and enforcement.
The commission did not place additional conditions on Martin—s license beyond the requirement to pay the past-due fee and comply with usual reporting and licensing rules.
