1. Establish a biological sampling program to collect one 10-fish sample per 200 landed metric tons for length and weight-at-age data from the commercial menhaden harvest; and
2. Initiate a program to add Atlantic menhaden to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s finfish biological sampling program in order to develop an adult menhaden survey index from Virginia pound nets.
B. By no later than December 1, 2013, the Commission shall submit a report to the General Assembly and the Governor that (i) describes progress in establishing the biological sampling program and development of the adult menhaden survey index called for by this section, (ii) discusses any difficulties in implementing the requirements of this section, including a lack of resources to properly implement the program, and (iii) provides a list of resources the Commission believes are necessary to properly implement the sampling program and index, with detailed justification, including an estimate of the cost of each item requested.
History
2013, cc. 59, 760.
