CHAPTER 18

An Act to amend and reenact § 28.2-314 of the Code of Virginia and to repeal § 28.2-315 of the Code of Virginia, relating to fishing with trawl nets and drag nets; shrimp and horseshoe crab; license fee; penalty.

[S 933]

Approved March 18, 2025

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 28.2-314 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 28.2-314. Trawl nets and drag nets prohibited; exception; license fee; penalty.

Except as may be provided in § 28.2-315, it A. It is unlawful for any person (i) to take or catch fish, shellfish, or marine organisms with a trawl net, drag net, or similar device drawn through the waters by a vessel, boat, or other craft or (ii) to buy, sell, or offer for sale any fish taken or caught in the waters of the Commonwealth, or under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth, with a trawl net, drag net, or similar device. However, the Commission may issue licenses or permits to take or catch fish, shellfish, or marine organisms with a trawl net, drag net, or similar device within the three-mile limit of the Virginia Atlantic shoreline for the shrimp and horseshoe crab fisheries.

B. The license or permit fee to fish with a trawl net, drag net, or similar device pursuant to subsection A shall be $100 or as subsequently revised by the Commission pursuant to § 28.2-201 for each boat so employed.

C. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

2. That § 28.2-315 of the Code of Virginia is repealed.