Breaking: VMRC updates its requirements for the charter fishing industry

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission today issued clarifications and modifications to its requirements for the charter fishing industry in the state.

After being declared a non-essential business at the outbreak of Covid-19, charter fishing was reopened last Friday per the governor’s orders for Phase I.

Many captains complained the the state’s requirements issued May 15 were unclear, as well as too stringent. They said that while the rules would get them back on the water, they wouldn’t help their businesses recover.

The main change in the new requirements involves how these “rules” are to be enforced, which was the main sticking point for most captains.

Based on the governor’s executive orders, Thursday’s announcement states: “Any willful violation of these executive orders many be prosecuted as a Class I misdemeanor under Virginia Code 32.1-2.7”

It goes on to state that: “nothing in this statement, however, restricts or impedes the power of the Commission, Marine Police Officers. or staff to review each circumstance on its individual facts and apply only those conditions considered appropriate or to consider unusual or mitigating circumstances.”

VMRC Commissioner reaffirmed Thursday afternoon that his law enforcement division was not charged with enforcing violations of executive orders.

One other requirement that was modified from the May 15 statements was the number of anglers allowed to fish on a charter boat 48 feet long or longer. Originally, those vessels could have a captain, mate and four customers – which would be two less than the normal licensing for six anglers.

The new requirement states: “48 feet and up = capacity is limited to the number of people who can socially distance on board. Each passenger must be six feet away from the next passenger.”

The same will remain in play for pay-by-the-person head boats.

Otherwise the previous rules are the same and include pre-screening of customers and employees prior to a trip, posting a website plan listing reactions and cleaning, frequent cleaning of high contact areas throughout the vessel throughout the trip, the wearing of face masks by employees and hand sanitizer placed throughout the boat.

Also, boats less than 18 feet long can only take a captain and one angler, followed by vessels of 18-23 feet a captain and two anglers or only one angler if there is a mate; boats 24-35 can have a captain and three anglers or two fishermen if there is a mate; and those 36-47 can have a captain, mate and three anglers.

Bowman said his office had taken lots of calls each day for an explanation on what the requirement meant.

“People wanted clarification and the governor has said we don’t want to be issuing summons when people don’t adhere to the state’s executive orders,” he said.

Stay tuned, ’cause there is more to come.