[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",5976185,"mediaKeyId","5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28","parentId",5838102,"title","VMRC allows two shrimp gear applicants into Eastern Shore permit pool after commission motion","audioSeconds",528,"startMs",4883000,"endMs",5411000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28&start=4883&end=5411","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28/thumbnail_4883000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5976185/Virginia/VMRC-allows-two-shrimp-gear-applicants-into-Eastern-Shore-permit-pool-after-commission-motion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976185-d0d9a0bcef8f36ccd4bbc3c92138c9be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979629&Signature=UzXRXEXnr-ubccoQdQ~dG~11YG3VMCZ92v3jS3rxX~KyzjYcMaBu-zbY6xHOctZSnUS9f5xzpWyNTYHcCVgrF9I7WdEPbK5lZ95j3Q~6A2QFCo8cW5Cnifmb1N-2Dpt0bApRX8zMna4dWm1-IFcwIU6r5wLiEaZ~UlVYIFZ00OV-q73t4CO3RBEvhAs5ZTI7Gh5W2wGXeko9qCCBkTEE~zBoz46c-HuwOsGNAdWTsbeo8DVYaet7DAN-cehhdgqGO8k87Y3DC8uEu7VnMJLqzjm2ewXTL8R97sQDJ540nhgpFJP04As~CtY-tXd~o6VjPF0aCqmXYHcmH8Ee~stg4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Virginia Marine Resources","date","2025-09-23T16:26:13Z","article","The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 23 voted to permit two applicants—Michael (Mike) Shackleford and Jason Smith—into the Eastern Shore shrimp trawl permit pool after commissioners heard that both had purchased gear but lacked staff inspection records required by a July commission action.

Commissioners said a proviso added at the July meeting—requiring gear inspection records—had unintentionally excluded several watermen who had purchased trawl gear before the July threshold but had not yet completed VMRC inspection steps. Chief Kenyon and other staff explained the provision and confirmed the two applicants met the other permit requirements but had not completed the inspection step that staff had been directed to require in July.

Associate Member Headley moved to allow Michael Shackleford and Jason Smith into the shrimp fishery under the Eastern Shore permit allocation, a motion seconded by Associate Member White. Commissioners voted 7‑0 to admit the two applicants. Staff told the two men to follow up with the Coastal Marine Advisory Committee (CMAC) and VMRC staff for any remaining procedural steps including final gear inspection scheduling.

Staff said they will later bring a regulatory cleanup item to the commission to clarify Chapter 13.950 and the maximum number of shrimp bridal licenses (listed in the meeting as 17) so the regulation text clearly matches permit counts and program administration.

Commissioners emphasized their intent was to avoid unfairly excluding watermen who had invested in gear before the July revision and to address administrative consequences without expanding the permit pool beyond established regulatory limits without proper notice.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-09-23 Virginia Marine Resources Commission","oneSentenceSummary","The commission voted to admit Michael (Mike) Shackleford and Jason Smith into the Eastern Shore shrimp permit allocation after staff clarified a July change requiring gear inspection had excluded some applicants; the motion carried unanimously and staff will proceed with the administrative steps.","taxTitle","Marine Resources Commission, Executive Agencies, Executive, Virginia","taxId",36425,"location","Virginia","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976189,"VMRC adopts emergency 2025–26 oyster season; approves mechanically assisted hand tongs for clean‑cockle harvest",3475,5550000,9025000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28&start=5550&end=9025","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28/thumbnail_5550000.jpg","/articles/5976189/Virginia/VMRC-adopts-emergency-202526-oyster-season-approves-mechanically-assisted-hand-tongs-for-cleancockle-harvest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976189-b32282f21a54338aeb0baf1991729a3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979630&Signature=khXGVlmRFsZSjnJRAKLsIBR8o05PU~C3040JxYcAymBAFMBEIAR0ZM3S8FXvBua3RGUIyw9T8-sU3nI2UyfFDgHZcP2WqAc12Drm65u8rZnhMH6nG9rM4Cbo0oDcXTThSAP~Z5iwKDuAF9~4ZUPjiQCIeFocDbh18lQr2d-7vFnMwSOCGg3tJxy9RxW7Ry8GuBr7Gaj~-RFHteUA~XfKaCfTBhwKHYklfQkozSrnUTAeWDgtS5EBOYBKBPWcLuj5wNjZ5qluNTB23eWQHUm8NThK7nv201M3FvyqMDVKiZAkggtXhg5lTNQBpqDTRroVKLjbJ~PZhd5JJumI5VgykQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 23 adopted emergency regulations to set the 2025–26 public oyster harvest season and approved mechanically assisted hand tongs for the clean‑oyster hand‑tong fishery.

Chief Kenyon told the commission staff had missed a statutory newspaper‑advertising deadline required for a standard public hearing, which blocked a normal notice period. To avoid leaving the oyster season undefined before October and to provide the industry with a regulatory framework, staff recommended an emergency adoption that will be publicly noticed and returned to the commission for formal adoption in October. Emergency regulations expire automatically after 30 days unless the commission subsequently adopts them through the standard process.

The emergency action adopted the Shellfish Management Advisory Committee’s (SMAC) recommended season structure and gear allocations, largely carrying forward last year’s approach with several changes SMAC recommended: maintaining a three‑year rotational harvest in the Rappahannock main stem, a return to a three‑year rotation in the York River and expansion of the patent tong area where patent tongs may operate. SMAC also recommended mechanical assistance for hand tongs used to harvest clean‑oysters; the commission approved a definition allowing a single lifting cable or rope attached to a single point on a tong shaft that powers only the lifting motion (the tong must still be closed by hand).

JC Hudgins of the Virginia Watermen’s Association told commissioners SMAC had unanimously passed the mechanically‑assisted hand‑tong allowance and that it would help older hand tongers continue working and increase participation in the gear type.

VIMS professors Roger Mann and Jim Wesson—members of the Blue Ribbon Oyster Panel subgroup that studied rotational strategies—addressed the commission and urged wider use of rotations where biologically appropriate. They and SMAC highlighted that rotation can increase harvest efficiency and help protect broodstock by leaving parts of the public grounds to recover.

Commissioners voted 5–2 to adopt the emergency season and the mechanically assisted hand‑tong provision; Associate Members White and Erskine voted no. Staff said the emergency action takes effect Oct. 1 and will be followed by a duly noticed public hearing and a formal vote at the October commission meeting.

Staff emphasized the emergency action is intended to protect the seafood industry and to provide certainty to harvesters while preserving the commission’s ability to modify seasons or conservation measures after proper public notice and deliberation.","The commission adopted emergency regulations setting the 2025–26 public oyster season (areas 25/26/CBPT etc.) effective Oct. 1 and voted to allow mechanically assisted hand tongs for clean oysters; the motion passed 5–2 with two commissioners opposing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976192,"VMRC grants Captain William Newell relief: 599‑lb striped bass overage deducted from next season; 2‑year probation imposed",898,3893000,4791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28&start=3893&end=4791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28/thumbnail_3893000.jpg","/articles/5976192/Virginia/VMRC-grants-Captain-William-Newell-relief-599lb-striped-bass-overage-deducted-from-next-season-2year-probation-imposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976192-d6d67b5d1243a82230bbe3d3f6b7185a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979630&Signature=C3LGx-c7iygZZHwnAD3JcnrrGGO8ma~zc8MMWRR7JI53rWeMINwYy7q07gncbbuTSjI9mTCQEnUv1lYYrkY2Loj7xgrf2IffXV7XO2mEkSia6vglUN74NLwsE88sAJwvreOyHmGklGUodTdPXFvCx6MkHy0Jep5z1MKYr77j-FnoAlucyPYQuGAmAYdBNiYlwjTeS7p4jYmrBz4mast7Zn6IuEFENd1zK4e-BGw9mWxghoLh4HuyefB2uU0ATyEsolpEraaepeDoEORStoxW6JUhC2OgjGmXKRaKIs1QlI0qwkS7hk~Ctc3y8vH7-yBjPmHm8yKvqKf5-vAzD9c8eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 23 voted to allow Captain William (Billy) Newell to keep fishing this season while deducting a 599‑pound overage from his next season’s striped bass (rockfish) quota and placing him on a two‑year probation, rather than imposing the automatic one‑year suspension provided in the regulations.

Newell, who identified himself as a commercial waterman with roughly 40 years’ experience, told the commission he inadvertently used extra tags left on his boat by guests and reported the overage at the earliest opportunity. He said: “I reported every pound, every fish... I have a system I use.” Newell asked for leniency on a first‑time occurrence in a long career.

Beverly Ledford, a commercial waterman who spoke in support, urged leniency and told commissioners she had known Newell for years and described him as “an upright and honest man” whose oversight she considered unintentional.

Chief staff summarized the regulation (Regulation 252.155 in the transcript) that prescribes penalties for striped bass quota overages, including a possible one‑year suspension and a permanent deduction of the overage. Commissioners discussed options and voted on a motion by Associate Member Headley to deduct the 599 pounds from Newell’s 2026 quota, impose no suspension and not permanently reduce his quota; the motion included a two‑year probation period as an amendment and was accepted. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Under the commission action, Newell must have the 599‑pound overage removed from the following year’s allocation; he will also be on probation for two years, during which any further overage would likely bring him back before the commission for enforcement action. The deduction will be applied through standard quota accounting, staff said.

Commissioners said the decision balanced enforcement of harvest limits with recognition of Newell’s long service and otherwise clean record. The commission noted that the statutory/regulatory penalty structure remains in place and that similar relief would require a proper motion and vote; this action applies specifically to Newell’s case.

No change to the underlying regulation was adopted at the meeting; staff and commissioners said they would follow the regulatory process for any broader changes.","After public comment and testimony from fellow watermen, the commission voted to deduct a 599‑pound striped bass overage from Captain William Newell's next season quota, impose two years of probation and waive the automatic one‑year suspension; motion passed unanimously.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},5976199,"VMRC denies 2.3-acre oyster planting lease near Nassawadox Creek after navigation concerns",3446,385000,3831000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28&start=385&end=3831","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5838102-6ff99c35835cf88c9ec9fc9bf478fb28/thumbnail_385000.jpg","/articles/5976199/Virginia/VMRC-denies-23-acre-oyster-planting-lease-near-Nassawadox-Creek-after-navigation-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5976199-5fb26534c622efe58b86a294bb0d0635/orig.mp4?Expires=1770979630&Signature=TfSZhjyiCLn3VYbTQChtoU3Amy0v3Rw1l9~s7Nvqv4qKxf0SC7bfz7UICtvVQtNIF3ONEGmORMMbBWbekx1Qk06PaHHkSSgrcazFWscy8V~I1R0O7R0z3EdbvCf1Guf4oPHJZUQBBwXKzcCIHtSO9sXEHnnC9Mwl2QbLnyVOEbuGyDvnVSZADSAIUsTFx1jvQLZYwg8Ucdg1uHmgp6AKerYXMQn5w2XhWtWQ12Ew8eSV4H5-IqocE7cAFdzdhljV~gHvUqFtzr2Q3KaubtQpVJccQuJxD6i~V22EKLnqbrbhM-TG5Ls-EiNiqda2stwhayO62d8HAygQqVPUcYBpsA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 23 denied an application to lease roughly 2.3 acres of state-owned bottom near Nassawadox Creek on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, citing navigational conflicts raised by nearby waterfront property owners.

The commission voted to deny the application by Montane Cree, who sought authorization to lease a small parcel of oyster planting ground contiguous to existing leased grounds. Associate Member Branson moved to deny; Associate Member Edwards seconded. The motion carried 4–1; Associate Member Erskine voted no and Associate Members Hand and White abstained.

The denial followed a contested public hearing in which staff and neighbors described narrow, shifting navigation channels and shoaling near private docks. Chief Kenyon, VMRC staff, told commissioners staff had evaluated the application for submerged aquatic vegetation, condemned areas and marked navigation channels and noted the downsizing of the original 66‑acre request to the current 2.3‑acre application “to mitigate conflicts.” He also said the parcel is roughly 260 feet by 600 feet and that water depths in the unmarked channel range “from maybe 2 feet on the inside to maybe about 4 feet on the outside.”

Applicant Montane Cree and her agent, Alan Killebrew, said the parcel is contiguous to existing commercial leases they are acquiring and that they have already invested in seed and operations. Cree told the commission she and her family are purchasing the upland business (referred to in testimony as Muddy Waters) and have a contract to buy the property for approximately $500,000; she also said they recently bought about $20,000 of oyster seed and planted it on adjacent leased bottom.

Opponents, who included waterfront property owners Rachel Kellum and Richard Ray, said the proposed placement would block the only viable access from several private docks to the main stem channel and “the shortcut to Bayford.” Kellum read photographs and maps into the record and said the parcel’s placement “will prevent me from accessing the main Nassawadox channel as well as the shortcut to Bayford.” Ray supplied photos showing boats transiting the same area and said commercial crabbers and watermen regularly travel through the corridor under discussion.

Commission discussion focused on whether the parcel’s placement would have more than a “minimal” impact on navigation, an evaluation factor cited in staff comments and applicable Code provisions. Several commissioners said the presence of long‑established leases nearby weighed for aquaculture development, but most concluded the navigation and shoaling evidence supported denial. Commissioner Branson observed the applicant already has substantial acreage in the area and questioned the need to expand into the narrow channel area.

Chief Kenyon and staff also explained that oyster ground leases do not automatically transfer with an upland property sale; transfers require a two‑party VMRC form and staff review. Kenyon confirmed the applicant had paid typical application costs (a $1,000 application fee, a certified plat about $750 and newspaper advertising between $200 and $300) and that the original application was reduced from 66 acres to the smaller parcel after public comment.

The commission noted it could have suggested a smaller parcel and resurveying as a compromise but that any resubdivision would reopen public notice and review. The denial was recorded as a final decision at the meeting.

The denial leaves the existing adjacent leases in place; staff said those leases remain active and commercially worked but that the specific transfer of any adjacent leases to the applicant had not been filed with VMRC at the time of the hearing.

The commission’s written file will include the public comments and photographic evidence presented at the hearing. If the applicant seeks to pursue a smaller parcel or to resurvey, staff said those proposals would be subject to new notice and public review.","The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 4–1 (with two abstentions) to deny a 2.3-acre oyster planting-ground application by Montane Cree after residents and commission members raised navigation and shoaling concerns affecting private docks and transit to the main channel.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

VMRC allows two shrimp gear applicants into Eastern Shore permit pool after commission motion

VMRC adopts emergency 2025–26 oyster season; approves mechanically assisted hand tongs for clean‑cockle harvest

VMRC grants Captain William Newell relief: 599‑lb striped bass overage deducted from next season; 2‑year probation imposed

VMRC denies 2.3-acre oyster planting lease near Nassawadox Creek after navigation concerns