4VAC20-350-10: Purpose

The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the conservation of the billfish resource off of the coast of Virginia by preventing the development of a commercial fishery through a prohibition of sale of billfish. The chapter supports the objectives of federal and interstate management measures for the Atlantic billfishes. The primary intent of these management measures is to optimize use of billfish by allowing harvest for recreational purposes only. Assessments that the billfish resource will not support added fishing pressure without causing stock declines.