Chapter 580. Pertaining to the Alteration of Finfish
4VAC20-580-10. Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to enhance compliance with minimum size limits, catch limits, and quotas.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0075 § 1, eff. October 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.
4VAC20-580-20. Alteration of finfish to obscure species identification or size prohibited.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to alter any finfish, or to possess altered finfish, aboard any boat or vessel, or on a public fishing pier (except at the fish cleaning station of the pier), such that the species of the fish cannot be determined.
B. It shall be unlawful for any person to alter any finfish regulated by a minimum or maximum size limit, or to possess such altered finfish, aboard any boat or vessel, or on a public fishing pier (except at the fish cleaning station of the pier), such that its total length cannot be measured.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0075 § 2, eff. October 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.
4VAC20-580-30. Allowances for filleting or cleaning.
A. For finfish regulated by a minimum or maximum size limit, filleting at sea will be allowed if the carcass is retained to ensure proper species identification and compliance with size limitations.
B. For finfish regulated by a minimum size, cleaning and/or filleting at sea will be allowed if the fillet or cleaned fish exceeds the minimum length for the species and at least one square inch of skin is left intact to assist in identification of the species.
C. For finfish not regulated by a size limit, filleting at sea will be allowed if a minimum of one square inch of skin is left on the fillet to assist in identification of the species.
Statutory Authority
§ 28.2-201 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from VR450-01-0075 § 3, eff. October 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.
4VAC20-580-40. 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 VR450-01-0075 § 4, eff. October 1, 1991; amended, Virginia Register Volume 11, Issue 22, eff. July 1, 1995.