Blue Crabs Need Your Help

Public Hearing-Blue Crab Fisheries-VMRC Meeting-March 25th-12:00 Noon

We request that you immediately send a letter or email to , Chief, Fisheries Management concerning the public hearing that will be heard to consider a proposed amendment to the regulations in order to eliminate overfishing in the blue crab fisheries. The public hearing will be heard at the Commission meeting on the 25^thof March at 12:00 Noon. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to respond to a persistent low abundance of

blue crabs, relatively low harvests and recent downturns in the production of juvenile crabs. In addition, a recent report of a scientific review of Virginia’s blue crab management plan has reinforced the Commission’s plan to reduce the 2008 harvest, in an attempt to prevent overfishing, augment the potential spawning stock and increase the abundance of age 1+ (2.4

inches and greater) blue crabs. “The Commission proposes to amend Regulation 4VAC20-75210 et seq., “Pertaining to Blue Crab Sanctuaries”. Currently, the Blue Crab Sanctuary isclosed to the harvest of crabs from June 1 through September 15. The Commission proposes toclose the sanctuary, as early as April 15. This proposal is intended to provide additionalprotection to crabs that spawn as early as mid-May.”

CCA Virginia fully supports an amendment to the regulation to close theBlue Crab Sanctuary to the harvest of crabs from April 15 through September 15^thto protect the spawning female crabs when they migrate outof the Chesapeake Bay bottom to the area of the crab sanctuary.

A personal letter in your own words concerning the change in the blue crab regulation would be the best way to communicate your desires regarding the blue crab fishery. If you do not have the time for a personal letter then there is a sample letter provided below. For your letter or email to become part of the record it must be received by 5:00 PM, Monday, March 24, 2008. Address your letter or email to:

Jack Travelstead, Chief , Fisheries Management

Virginia Marine Resources Commission

2600 Washington Avenue

Newport News, VA 23607

Email jack.travelstead@mrc.virginia.gov

Sample Letter

Jack Travelstead, Chief , Fisheries Management

Virginia Marine Resources Commission

2600 Washington Avenue Newport News, VA 23607

Dear Mr. Travelstead,

I would like to comment on the change in regulation for the blue crab fishery that is advertised for public hearing on the 25^thof March. The mission statement of the VMRC states “The Marine Resources Commission serves as stewards of Virginia's marine and aquatic resources, and protectors of its tidal waters and homelands, for present and future generations.”

In my opinion, the time has come for Commission to act and revise the regulations of the blue crab fishery. I would like to recommend that following change in the regulation.

I request that the Virginia Marine Resources Commission approve a regulation to close theBlue Crab Sanctuary to the harvest of crabs from April 15 through September 15 to protect thespawning female crabs when they migrate out of the Chesapeake Bay bottom to the area of thecrab sanctuary.

Sincerely, Name Address City State Zip Phone

Frank A. Kearney III Co-Chairman CCA VA Fisheries Management Committee

FAKIII@bigfoot.com

CCA Virginia Website http://www.ccavirginia.org/ CCA Virginia Email CCAVA@cox.net

Blue Crabs Need Your Help

CCA Virginia fully supports an amendment to the regulation to close theBlue Crab Sanctuary to the harvest of crabs from April 15 through September 15th to protect the spawning female crabs when they migrate outof the Chesapeake Bay bottom to the area of the crab sanctuary.

CCA Virginia fully supports an amendment to the regulation to close theBlue Crab Sanctuary to the harvest of crabs from April 15 through September 15^thto protect the spawning female crabs when they migrate outof the Chesapeake Bay bottom to the area of the crab sanctuary.