June 2, 2015 — Just as poor oyster harvests are looming on the horizon, the state is cracking down on oyster poachers, with harsher penalties set to kick in July 1.
The new law gives the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) the authority to revoke commercial and recreational fishing licenses for up to five years (the current maximum is two years), levy fines of up to $10,000 and place a lien on a poacher’s vessel or vehicle if the fine goes unpaid for six months.
“Oyster thieves are on notice,” VMRC commissioner John Bull said in a statement Tuesday. “This new law escalates the potential punishments for egregious violations of our tidal natural resources.”
The General Assembly and Gov. Terry McAuliffe enacted the stricter penalties earlier this year to combat chronic poaching from oyster sanctuaries, public reefs and privately leased water bottoms.
Virginia Marine Police Chief Rick Lauderman said serious oyster violations are on the rise despite more intensive efforts to combat poaching.
“The vast majority of commercial watermen are honest and law-abiding,” Lauderman said. “But a relatively small number of thieves continue to cause a serious problem that is not diminishing.”