Section 40. Gear restrictions

It shall be unlawful for any person to place, set, or fish any fish pot in Virginia tidal waters for the purposes of harvesting black sea bass or to possess or to land in Virginia black sea bass harvested by fish pots which are not constructed as follows:

1. With two escape vents of 2-1/2 inches diameter circular dimension, or 2 inches square dimension, or 1-3/8 inches by 5-3/4 inches rectangular dimension.

2. With hinges or fasteners on one side panel or door made of the following materials:

a. Untreated hemp, jute, or cotton string of 3/16 inches or less diameter;

b. Magnesium alloy, timed float releases (pop-up devices), or similar magnesium alloy fasteners; or

c. Ungalvanized or uncoated iron wire of 0.094 inches or less in diameter.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 13, Issue 14, eff. March 1, 1997; amended, Virginia Register Volume 18, Issue 14, eff. March 4, 2002; Volume 19, Issue 10, eff. January 1, 2003; Volume 23, Issue 15, eff. March 1, 2007.

Statutory Authority

§§ 28.2-201 and 28.2-204.1 of the Code of Virginia.