Virginia Marine Resources Commission
An agency under the umbrella of the Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner Jamie Green presides. Established in 1875 as the Virginia Fish Commission, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) is one of the oldest agencies in Virginia State Government. The VMRC oversees management, regulation, and enforcement in Virginia for both commercial and recreational saltwater shellfish and finfish species. They are also empowered through their Habitat Management Division to determine outcomes for tidal wetlands, submerged lands, coastal dunes, and derelict vessels.
380 Fenwick Road, Hampton, VA 23651 - (757) 247-2200 https://mrc.virginia.gov/
Public Meeting Calendar: https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm
380 Fenwick Road, Hampton, VA 23651 - (757) 247-2200 https://mrc.virginia.gov/
Public Meeting Calendar: https://mrc.virginia.gov/calendar.shtm
Legal Challenges and Petitions
Action in progress:
1. Chesapeake Legal Alliance Lawsuit
On May 10th, 2023, Chesapeake Legal Alliance filed a petition on behalf of their client, the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization, challenging Virginia’s Marine Resource Commission’s (VMRC) March 2023 decision to continue overharvesting of the menhaden fishery via reduction fishing.
Chronology -
1. Chesapeake Legal Alliance Lawsuit
On May 10th, 2023, Chesapeake Legal Alliance filed a petition on behalf of their client, the Southern Maryland Recreational Fishing Organization, challenging Virginia’s Marine Resource Commission’s (VMRC) March 2023 decision to continue overharvesting of the menhaden fishery via reduction fishing.
Chronology -
- 5/10/23: Lawsuit filed - https://www.chesapeakelegal.org/cla-files-suit-challenging-menhaden-regulation/
- 9/7/23: Countering action to dismiss the case - https://www.chesapeakelegal.org/cla-argues-against-motion-to-dismiss-in-menhaden-regulation-challenge/
- 10/6/23: Winning argument against dismissal - https://www.chesapeakelegal.org/cla-comes-out-on-top-in-motion-to-dismiss-menhaden-case/
- 11/22/23: Motion filed for Summary Judgement - https://www.chesapeakelegal.org/cla-files-motion-for-summary-judgment-in-menhaden-case/
