REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
VIRGINIA MARINE RESOURCES COMMISSION
The Virginia General Assembly delegated power to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) to exercise regulatory authority over state-owned bottomlands throughout the entire Commonwealth. VMRC is the main regulatory body for the leasing and permitting of aquaculture related activities in Virginia. VMRC’s goals include reducing navigation issues, limiting shellfish contamination, preserving Virginia waters and the living creatures within them, and limiting user conflicts. Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia covers fisheries and habitat of the Commonwealth’s tidal waters. And, Title 4, Agency 20 of the Virginia Administrative Code contains VMRC regulations which provide additional detail. Both the Virginia Code and Virginia Administrative Code are available online and keyword searches are available to help users navigate the provisions.
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH DIVISION OF SHELLFISH SAFETY
The Virginia Department of Health Division of Shellfish Safety (VDH DSS) conducts activities associated with water quality monitoring, growing area assessment, education, and regulatory programs to protect the health of shellfish consumers. Title 28.2, Chapter 8 of the Code of Virginia includes health and sanitation provisions for the Commonwealth’s tidal fisheries. And, Title 12, Agency 5 of the Virginia Administrative Code contains VDH DSS regulations which provide additional detail. Both the Virginia Code and Virginia Administrative Code are available online and keyword searches are available to help users navigate the provisions.