An Agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia Virginia.govFind an Agency VMRC COVID-19 INFORMATION | COVID-19 FISHERIES DISASTER RELIEF | Need vaccine? ¿Necesita vacunarse? Virginia Marine Resources Commission Agency Services FAQ's Regulations Forms & Permits Links & Maps Contact Results of the 10/26/2021 Commission Meeting Learn More Previous Next Home search Recreational Fishing Recreational Fishing Rules Recreational Crabbing Rules License Requirements FIP Registration Recreational Species Permits Permits/Reporting FAQs Saltwater Journal Report Tagged Fish Marine Recreational Information Program Commercial Fishing Recent Regulations Public Regulatory Notices Quota and Licenses for Sale Commercial Licensing Online Harvest Reporting Oyster Resource User Fees Oyster Harvest Safety Training Law Enforcement LE Field Offices Map of LE Field Offices VMRC Regulations Seafood Safety Boating Safety Habitat Management Habitat Permits Habitat Advisory Committee Territory Assignments Oyster Ground Leasing Shellfish Aquaculture Pending Lease Applications Agency News November 18, 2021: As of November 1, the US Coast Guard cold water requirements for commercial fishing vessels are in effect. Check the links below to find out if your vessel is in compliance. https://www.fishsafe.info/. [further info] November 08, 2021: The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently approved approximately $50 million in funds to seafood processors, processing vessels, and dealers in 25 coastal states and territories to defray expenses accrued addressing safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Notice] October 27, 2021: Effective 11:59 P.M., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Sunday, October 31, 2021, the Fall Period One Directed Virginia Offshore Summer Flounder Fishery will close. Effective 12:01 A.M., Monday November 1, 2021, the Fall Period Two Directed Virginia Offshore Summer Flounder Fishery will open for vessels with a Virginia Summer Flounder Endorsement License. The landing limit for the Offshore (EEZ) Fishery from November 1 through December 31, 2021 is 12,000 pounds. [Notice] October 26, 2021: Results of the October 26th Commission meeting have been posted. [Commission Results] October 14, 2021: Effective 6:00 P.M., Sunday, October 17, 2021, the 2021/2022 Virginia directed commercial speckled trout fishery will close. Based upon landing reports from Virginia seafood buyers and speckled trout harvesters, it is projected that Virginia will have harvested and landed 100% of the 51,104 pound quota. Therefore, after 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 17, 2021, it shall be unlawful for any commercial fisherman registration licensee to take, harvest, land, or possess more than the daily incidental catch limit for the remainder of the fishing year. [Notice] Click Here for the News Archive Commissioner’s Message Welcome to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. We serve as stewards of the Commonwealth's marine and aquatic resources, and protectors of its tidal waters and homelands, for present and future generations. We manage saltwater fishing, both recreational and commercial. We work to create and maintain sustainable fisheries for the benefit of all anglers and the ecosystem. We also manage water bottoms in public trust for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Our Habitat Management Division works with those who wish to use them for piers or water-dependent projects. Our Law Enforcement Division, the Virginia Marine Police, patrols the waterways to enforce the regulations and to assist citizens in need. We take our duties seriously, striving always to serve the public in a professional, responsive and responsible way. Please join us as protectors of our critical natural resources so that they remain for our children and grandchildren to enjoy them as we do. Steven G. Bowman, Commissioner, VMRC Important Links Virginia Marine Resources Commission Copyright © 1996-2021 Questions or Comments? Email Web-Info For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646 Site Index Privacy Policy VMRC Checkbook VMRC Organization Chart Employment