LIS

Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have the option to download it as a pdf, print or email the report.

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 4. Conservation And Natural Resources
Agency 20. Marine Resources Commission
Chapter 220. Pertaining to the Taking of Finfish by Gill Nets
11/4/2024

4VAC20-220-20. Gill nets.

A. Any gill net, whether floating or submerged, that is not assigned a fixed location shall be set in a straight line. In enforcing this provision, Marine Patrol Officers shall take into consideration the effect of wind and tide on any net. Nothing in this subsection shall pertain to mullet nets when used in a directed fishery for mullet.

B. Any gill net, whether floating or submerged, that is not assigned a fixed location shall have no greater depth than 330 inches total stretched mesh measurement. Measurement shall be vertically from top to bottom. Possession of any gill net, rigged with floats and weights, and in excess of the aforementioned depth shall be deemed a violation of this subsection except that any person transitting Virginia's waters with any gill net not meeting the requirements of this chapter shall first notify and obtain permission from the Commissioner of Marine Resources.

C. Any gill net, whether floating or submerged, that is not assigned a fixed location shall be fished no closer than 200 feet to any other such gill net. No part of any such gill net shall be closer than 200 feet to any part of any other such gill net. In enforcing this provision, Marine Patrol Officers shall take into consideration the effect of wind and tide on the nets in question.

D. The provisions of subsection C of this section shall not be applicable to those gill nets without an assigned fixed location which are set and fished in the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay. However, no two or more such gill nets shall be fixed or tied end-to-end such that the maximum licensed length prescribed by law is exceeded.

Statutory Authority

§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from VR450-01-0028 § 2, eff. April 1, 1983; amended, Virginia Register Volume 8, Issue 15, eff. February 1, 1992; Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are for the reader's convenience only, may not necessarily be active or current, and should not be relied upon. To ensure the information incorporated by reference is accurate, the reader is encouraged to use the source document described in the regulation.

As a service to the public, the Virginia Administrative Code is provided online by the Virginia General Assembly. We are unable to answer legal questions or respond to requests for legal advice, including application of law to specific fact. To understand and protect your legal rights, you should consult an attorney.