Chapter 350. Pertaining to Prohibiting the Sale of Billfish
4VAC20-350-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the conservation of the billfish resource off of the coast of Virginia by preventing the development of a commercial fishery through a prohibition of sale of billfish. The chapter supports the objectives of federal and interstate management measures for the Atlantic billfishes. The primary intent of these management measures is to optimize use of billfish by allowing harvest for recreational purposes only. Assessments that the billfish resource will not support added fishing pressure without causing stock declines.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0046 § 1, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.
4VAC20-350-20. Definition.
The following word and term, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Billfish" means any fish of the species Istiophorus platypterus (sailfish), Tetrapturus albidus (white marlin), Makaira nigricans (blue marlin), and Tetrapturus pfluegeri (longbill spearfish).
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0046 § 2, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.
4VAC20-350-30. Prohibition of sale.
It shall be unlawful for any person to buy, sell, offer for sale, possess with intent to sell, barter, or exchange billfish.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0046 § 3, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.
4VAC20-350-40. Penalty.
As set forth in § 28.2-903 of the Code of Virginia, any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this chapter committed by the same person within 12 months of a prior violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0046 § 4, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.