Press Room
Archived
Press Releases 2006-2007
 

 
Date Posted: Subject:

December 19, 2007

Crab Advisory Committee Meeting

November 16, 2007

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

August 30, 2007

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

August 07, 2007

Notice of Public Hearing

June 1, 2007

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

February 2, 2007

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

January 23, 2007

Crab and Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting

January 04, 2007

Proposed Amendments To The Regulations

November 01, 2006

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

October 19, 2006

Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting

October 11, 2006

Proposed Amendments to the Regulations of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission

August 31, 2006

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

August 8, 2006

Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting

August 8, 2006

Crab Advisory Committee Meeting

June 1, 2006

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

March 9, 2006

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

 February 23, 2006

Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting

 



Crab Advisory Committee Meeting
Posted December 19, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA (December 19, 2007) — The Potomac River Crab Advisory Committee, which is comprised of private citizens and industry representatives, will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the PRFC Office Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

The Committed will review the 2007 crab harvest, which was only about one-half the long-term average harvest, and review catch-effort data as well as the ratio of male and female harvest. Dr. Tom Miller, from the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, will present the CBSAC 2007 crab advisory report.

The Committee will discuss options for possible changes to the crabbing regulations for the 2008 season. Some of the options to be discussed include, but are not limited to: a time limit, a shorter season, lowering the number of pots each crabber may set, a bushel limit on female crabs, designated area(s) as a sanctuary (no harvest allowed), limit the number of crab pots that can be set in certain areas, require cull rings be open all season, lower the maximum number of peeler pots that can be set and requiring the licensee to be present on the boat. Any proposals developed by this committee will be forwarded to the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for consideration prior to implementation.

These meetings are open to the public and all interested persons are invited to attend. PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 or (800) 266-3904 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.

The Colonial Beach Art Guild will have artwork displayed in the John T. Parran Hearing Room through January 14, 2008. Visitors are welcomed during normal business hours



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted November 16, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Chairman William L. Rice, Sr. announced today the Potomac River Fisheries Commission will hold its next regular meeting on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. Mr. Rice invites all interested persons to attend this open public meeting.

The Commission will continue its discussion from the previous public hearing regarding increasing license fees.

Items on the agenda for the regular meeting include but are not limited to: reports on the fall oyster harvest, annual oyster survey, a crab harvest report and a briefing on the 2007 CBSAC blue crab advisory report. The Commission will establish the commercial gear striped bass seasons and size limits. There will be an update of the ASMFC annual meeting as well as a delinquent seafood catch report hearing.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted August 30, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Chairman William L. Rice, Sr. announced today that the Potomac River Fisheries Commission will hold a public hearing in conjunction with its next regular meeting on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. Mr. Rice invites all interested persons to attend this open public meeting.

The Public Hearing will address proposed regulation changes to change the gill net season from a calendar year to a fiscal year and add November to the renewal period for gill net licenses; define high-grading and when it is unlawful; to make spearing and/or gaffing unlawful when fishing for striped bass and to propose new commercial license fees.

Items on the agenda include but are not limited to: a crab harvest report; a report from the Oyster/Clam Advisory Committee, the adoption of the 2007-2008 oyster season dates, times and limits, an update on the non-native oyster EIS study, a presentation of the American Eel YOY survey and a summary of the August ASMFC meeting.

Other items on the agenda include but are not limited to: adopting orders for the commercial hook and line and gill net limited entry and adopting the 2007-2008 gill net season, restrictions and commercial striped bass catch and size limit and a review of an order allowing two crab pot licenses on one boat. There will also be a delinquent seafood catch report hearing.

Several local artists will have artwork displayed in the John T. Parran Hearing Room through September 14, 2007. Visitors are welcomed during normal business hours.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 at least three work days prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Notice Of Hearing
Posted August 07, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission on adoption of proposed regulations or amendments to the regulations of the Commission on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the John Thomas Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. The precise text of the proposed amendments is available at the Commission office or by calling (800) 266-3904 or (804) 224-7148 or using the link below.

Downloadable copy of the precise text of the proposed amendments 



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted June 1, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Chairman William Rice announced today that the Potomac River Fisheries Commission would hold its next regular meeting on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Items on the agenda include but are not limited to: a report from the Finfish Advisory Committee, a review of the winter striped bass fishery, crab and oyster harvest reports and a review of the annual fish reports submitted to the ASMFC.

Other items on the agenda include but are not limited to: the adoption of the FY ’07-’08 budget, a delinquent seafood catch report hearing and approval of the pre-payable fine schedule.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 at least three work days prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted February 2, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Vice-chairman William Rice announced today the Potomac River Fisheries Commission would hold a public hearing together with its regular meeting on Friday, February 16, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. Mr. Rice expressed his desire to invite all interested persons to attend this open public meeting.

There will be a public hearing on the method of measuring the total length of fish and increasing the hard crab size limit. The Commission will also adopt the spring striped bass season, creel and size limits; set the commercial quota and recreational limits for summer flounder; and establish the recreational size and creel limits and the commercial by-catch limits for weakfish for 2007.

The Commission will review its policy of allowing two crab pot licensees to work on one boat, and consider adopting a policy regarding haul seine and crab pot gear conflicts. Other items on the agenda include but are not limited to, review the crab, fish and oyster harvest reports receiving an update from the ASMFC winter meeting. The Commission will also elect their Chairman, Vice-chairman and Secretary for 2007.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Crab and Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting
Posted January 23, 2007


COLONIAL BEACH, VA (January 23, 2007) — The Potomac River Crab and Finfish Advisory Committees, which is comprised of private citizens and industry representatives, will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 6, 2007 in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the PRFC Office Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Items on the agenda will include, but may not be limited to: marking a haul seine area; a discussion on developing a cownose ray fishery; discussing crab size limits and the measurement of fish; reviewing Orders for the 2007 recreational and charter striped bass seasons and other species and a discussion on recommendations for renewing Order 2006-08 - Two Crab Pot Licenses on One Boat for 2007.

These meetings are open to the public and all interested persons are invited to attend. PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 or (800) 266-3904 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Proposed Amendments
To The Regulations of The Potomac River Fisheries Commission
Posted January 04, 2007


PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS
of the
POTOMAC RIVER FISHERIES COMMISSION

February 16, 2007

Pursuant to the Potomac River Compact of 1958, as duly enacted into law by the General Assemblies of the States of Maryland and Virginia and duly ratified by the Congress of the United States of America, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission hereby proposes to amend and/or adopt regulations as follows:

1. Reg. III, Sec. 11(b) – To clarify the method of measurement of fish.
2. Reg. VII, Sec. 2(a) – To increase the minimum size limit on hard crabs from
April 1st to July 9th from 5” to 5 ½”.

NOTICE OF HEARING
February 16, 2007

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission on adoption of the foregoing proposed regulations or amendments to the regulations of the Commission on Friday, February 16, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. in the John Thomas Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. The precise text of the proposed amendments is available at the Commission office or by calling (800) 266-3904 or (804) 224-7148 or visit our website –

Public Hearing Notice for February 16, 2007.pdf 



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted November 1, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Vice Chairman William L. Rice, Sr. announced today that the Potomac River Fisheries Commission will hold a public hearing in conjunction with its next regular meeting on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. Mr. Rice invites all interested persons to attend this open public meeting.

The Public Hearing will address proposed regulation changes to clarify that only one crab pot license per person per boat can be issued; adopting a new section to allow two lesser number-of-pot licenses to be combined to make a 400 or 500 pot license; to add the terms “limited liability company” and “natural person” to several regulations in place of “person”; to delete the word ”weir” and redefine fyke and hoop nets and limit their location to water less than 6’ MLW; to change the words “individual fisherman” to licensee”, and require party, company, corporation, firm or association ownerships to designate a single authorized user of the striped bass ID tags: and to repeal and/or re-codify certain subsection of Reg. II.

Items on the agenda for the regular meeting include but are not limited to: actions on the proposed regulation changes; a report on the fall oyster harvest and the annual oyster survey; a report on the crab harvest; and a report from the finfish advisory committee. The Commission will establish the 2007 commercial, recreational and charter boat fisheries season dates, size limits, catch limits and other restrictions for striped bass and most other species.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call
(804) 224-7148 at least three work days prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting
Posted October 19, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — The Potomac River Finfish Advisory Committee, which is comprised of private citizens and industry representatives, will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2006 in the John T. Parran Hearing Room at the PRFC Office, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Items on the agenda will include, but may not be limited to: developing recommendations for the 2007 seasons, size and creel limits for the recreational and commercial fisheries. The 2007 commercial gill net season, quota and tagging requirements will also be discussed.

This meeting is open to the public and all interested persons are invited to attend. PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 or (800) 266-3904 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Proposed Amendments
To The Regulations of The Potomac River Fisheries Commission
Posted October 11, 2006


November 15, 2006

Pursuant to the Potomac River Compact of 1958, as duly enacted into law by the General Assemblies of the States of Maryland and Virginia and duly ratified by the Congress of the United States of America, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission hereby proposes to amend and/or adopt regulations as follows:


1. Reg. I, Sec. 2(d)(1) – To clarify that only one crab pot license per person per
boat can be issued.

2. Reg. I, Sec. 2(d)(4) – To adopt a new section to allow 2 lesser number-of-pot
licenses to be combined to make a 400 or 500-pot license.

3. Reg. I, Sec. 2(f)(1) and Sec. 2(f)(4) and Sec. 2(l)(2) – To replace the word
“individual” with the words “natural person” in the 1st sentence of each section.

4. Reg. I, Sec. 2(k) – To delete the word “weir” and redefine fyke and hoop nets
and limit their locations to waters less than 6’ MLW.

5. Reg. I, Sec. 3(a) – To add the term “limited liability company” and recodify as
Reg. I, Sec. 3(a)(1).

6. Reg. I, Sec. 3(a)(2) – To add a new section as follows: “Natural Person - A
natural person shall mean a single human being”.

7. Reg. I, Sec. 3(e) – To clarify “in possession”, and to replace “or” with “and/or” in
the last sentence.

8. Reg. I, Sec. 5(d) – To replace the word “persons” with the words “natural
persons” in the 1st sentence, and to delete the words “individual” and
“personal” in item #(4) and #(6).

9. Reg. II, Sec. 1(h) – To repeal and recodify subsections (i), (j) and (k) as (h), (i)
and (j).

10. Reg. III, Sec. 10(b) – To change the words “individual fisherman” to “licensee”,
and require party, company, corporation, firm or association ownerships to
designate a single authorized user of the striped bass ID tags.

11. Reg. VI, Sec. 5(a) – In the last sentence, to replace the first word “individual”
with the words “natural person” and the second word “individual” with the
words “his/her”.

12. Reg. VI, Sec. 5(b) item # (4) – To replace the first word “person” with the word
“personal” and the second word “person” with the words “natural person”.

13. Reg. VI, Sec. 5(c) – To delete the words “of a person” in the first line, and
replace the words “If that person” with the words “If a natural person” in the
second line.

NOTICE OF HEARING
November 15, 2006

Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing will be held by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission on adoption of proposed regulations or amendments to the regulations of the Commission on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. in the John Thomas Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. The precise text of the proposed amendments is available at the Commission office or by calling (800) 266-3904 or (804) 224-7148 or visit our website – http://www.prfc.us/commission/press_releases.html.

Downloadable PDF copy of proposed regulations or amendments  



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted August 31, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Vice-chairman William Rice, Sr. announced today that the Potomac River Fisheries Commission will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, September 14, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Items on the agenda include but are not limited to: reports from the finfish, crab and oyster/clam advisory committees; a crab harvest report; the adoption of the 2006-2007 oyster season dates, times and limits, an update on the non-native oyster EIS study, reviewing items to consider for a public hearing and a presentation on a tagging study of diseased striped bass.

Other items on the agenda include but are not limited to: determining if there will be a fall gill net season and a summary of the August ASMFC meeting.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 at least three work days prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting
Posted August 8, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — The Potomac River Finfish Advisory Committee, which is comprised of private citizens and industry representatives, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 in the John T. Parran Hearing Room at the PRFC Office, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Items on the agenda will include, but may not be limited to: discussions of who can use striped bass identification tags, clarifying the definition of a person and a review of the 2006 gill net harvest to determine if there will be a fall season.

Other items on the agenda include, but are not limited to: discussions of industry requests, such as, allowing gill nets to be set parallel to the shore all year long, considering the use of a roller rig to set gill nets, and using two striped bass tags for fish over 36”; and a staff recommendation to limit Fyke Nets to 6’ mlw or less. Any proposals developed by this committee will be forwarded to the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for consideration prior to implementation.

This meeting is open to the public and all interested persons are invited to attend. PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 or (800) 266-3904 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Crab Advisory Committee Meeting
Posted August 8, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — The Potomac River Crab Advisory Committee, which is comprised of private citizens and industry representatives, will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the PRFC Office Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

Items on the agenda will include, but may not be limited to: review of the crab harvest to date; clarifying the definition of a person and language to restrict only one crab pot license to any individual.

Other items on the agenda will include, but may not be limited to: discussing recommendations for turning in two 300-pot licenses for one 500-pot license and review Order 2006-08 allowing two crab pot licenses on the same boat. Any proposals developed by this committee will be forwarded to the Potomac River Fisheries Commission for consideration prior to implementation.

These meetings are open to the public and all interested persons are invited to attend. PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 or (800) 266-3904 no later than three work days prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted June 1, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Chairman William Pruitt announced today that the Potomac River Fisheries Commission will hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia.

The Commission will receive public comment on several items pertaining to policy issues such as clarifying language to restrict only one crab pot license to any individual; establish a crab pot license buy out program; a crab pot transfer program, turn in two 300-pot licenses for one 500-pot license; establish a uniform crab size limit in the Potomac River and its tributaries and allowing two names on a commercial gill net license.

Other items on the agenda include but are not limited to: a review of the winter striped bass fishery, a presentation on the American eel Young of the Year Survey, crab and oyster harvest reports and a review of the annual fish reports submitted to the ASMFC. The Commission will also adopt the 2006-07 budget.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 at least three work days prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted March 9, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — The Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) today elected Mr. William A. Pruitt as the Chairman for 2006. The Maryland-Virginia Bi-state Commission is comprised of representatives from both states and regulates the commercial and sport fisheries in the tidal Potomac River from the Chesapeake Bay to Washington, D.C.

The outgoing Chairman, Mr. Kenny Keen of Maryland, noted in handing over the gavel, “Commissioner Pruitt’s acceptance of this important leadership roll demonstrates his continuing commitment to conservation of the fisheries resources and the spirit of cooperative management of a shared river.” Mr. William L. Rice, who was elected as Vice-chairman, also said, “I look forward to working with Mr. Pruitt as the PRFC, Maryland and Virginia each contribute their fair share to Bay-wide fisheries management. Mr. Kenny Keen was elected as Secretary.

Commissioner Pruitt expressed his appreciation for the vote of confidence of the other Commissioners from both Maryland and Virginia, and said, “My roll as PRFC Chairman will be yet another opportunity to continue the important bi-state efforts in cooperative Bay-wide fisheries management. Governor Tim Kane and Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources J. Preston Bryant, Jr. believe very strongly in bringing all people to the table and in Interstate cooperation, and the PRFC is an excellent place to do that, and I will honor and carry out that policy”.



Potomac River Fisheries Commission Meeting
Posted February 23, 2006


COLONIAL BEACH, VA — Chairman Kenny Keen announced today the Potomac River Fisheries Commission would hold its next regular meeting on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the John T. Parran Hearing Room of the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building, 222 Taylor Street, Colonial Beach, Virginia. Mr. Keen expressed his desire to invite all interested persons to attend this open public meeting.

Items on the agenda include but are not limited to, a crab, oyster and finfish harvest reports, adopt the striped bass spring season minimum size limit and set the commercial quota for summer flounder. The Commission will receive an update from the 2006 ASMFC winter meeting and elect its Chairman, Vice-chairman and Secretary for 2006.

Other items on the agenda include, consideration of allowing two crab pot licenses on one boat and discussion of a 2006 crab harvest limit. The staff will present several options, for a future public hearing, dealing with reducing the number of crab pot licenses and/or the number of authorized crab pots and clarifying language to restrict only one crab pot license a person.

PRFC does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities; therefore, if you are in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, please call (804) 224-7148 no later than three workdays prior to the meeting date and identify your needs.
 

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