A Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) hearing to review these applications is scheduled for Tuesday March 24th 2009.  The applications are listed as agenda items 19 & 20.  See agenda here.

The proposed pound nets would be similar to the ones currently located off the shore of Cape Story by the Sea. 

The proposed net locations are approximately 1500 feet from shore and located in the areas shown on map below.

3 similar nets were proposed on Nov. 25th 2008 off the shore of Cape Story.  These nets were opposed by residents, the Cape Story by the Sea Civic Association and the Virginia Aquarium based on possible impact to residents and increased death of dolphins.  See letters of opposition.  The VMRC staff was apposed to these nets and the VMRC board voted unanimously against these nets.  [See below.]

Excerpt from the 11.25.08 VMRC hearing on pound net application off the shores of Cape Story by the Sea and First Landing State Park below.

Associate Member Robins said when you balance this out he did not think this was in the public interest. He said there was an intense area of conflict there when you consider the amount of recreational traffic here. He said in additional there was the dolphin entanglement, as Associate Member Bowden said it is a significant risk and the entanglement in the gill nets have brought massive restrictions on it. He said he was also surprised that there had been that number of entanglements without additional restrictions on this area. He said that what is there seems to be “grandfathered” and would be foolhardy for the Commission to allow these nets and taking this risk.

Associate Member McConaugha seconded the motion. Commissioner Bowman said the regulation is clear and the Public Trust Doctrine must be considered. The motion to deny the applications carried unanimously.

Read the entire transcript here [pdf]
CSBTS Pound Net Response [pdf]
SDCC’s Pound Net Opposition Letter [pdf]
Public Notice for Pound Net Application [pdf]