(HB2782)

GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6 of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 2782, which amends regulations to allow anglers to keep unlimited numbers of blue catfish larger than 32” statewide.

Although there are concerns about the overpopulation of blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay and its associated waterways, requiring the Department of Wildlife Resources to amend their regulations related to catfish statewide does not consider the vibrant recreational fisheries and associated economic benefits. Reviewing the benefit for recreational fisherman, as well as the possible negative impact of the species, should be at the discretion of the Department of Wildlife Resources.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.