Proposed VMRC 2012 Flounder Regs

[SlateDog]

This was posted on the Virginia Board. It contains the options being studied for the 2012 flounder season. I am in favor of item C. Would have made my season in the Rapp a lot better last year while still being somewhat conservative.
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In accordance with Section 28.2-209 of the Code of Virginia, a public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held at 12:00 noon, on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Newport News, Virginia. Written comments on the proposals should be mailed to Jack Travelstead, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, Virginia 23607, by 5:00 p.m., Monday, February 27, 2012. Copies of the proposed regulations may be reviewed at the Commission Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and may be obtained by calling the Commission at (757) 247-2248.

I. Chapter 4 VAC20-620-10 et seq., “Pertaining to Summer Flounder”.

The Commission proposes 4 options, for management of the 2012 recreational summer flounder fishery. The 2011 fishery was managed by a 17 ½ inches minimum size limit, 4 fish possession limit, with no closed season. The 4 options for the 2012 fishery are:

A) 17 ½ inches minimum size limit, 5 fish possession limit and no closed season
B) 17 inches minimum size limit, 5 fish possession limit and no closed season
C) 17 inches minimum size limit, 4 fish possession limit and no closed season
D) 16 ½ inches minimum size limit, 4 fish possession limit and no closed season

The purpose of this proposed amendment is to comply with interstate requirements.

[rlcharters]

I was just told that the 16 1/2" has been taken off the table. Is this true? I wouldn't think that they would put it on, then take it off. I do know that we have been asked not to comment until after the ASMFC meeting this week.