Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org35662328.2-309Distance nets may extend across body of water or channel; prohibition; regulations; penalty2026Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal WatersTidal FisheriesFinfishTaking of Fish, Net, and Device Restrictions

A. It is unlawful to set or fish any net or nets across any river, bay, estuary, creek, or inlet which are longer than one-fourth the width of the body of water from mean low water to mean low water at the point where the net or nets are set or fished.

B. It is unlawful to set or fish any net, other than a menhaden net, in any portion of a marked channel of a river, bay, estuary, creek, or inlet which has navigation aids installed or approved by any agency of government. However, the prohibitions and restrictions on setting nets contained in this subsection shall not apply to any net set on the eastern or ocean side of the Counties of Accomack and Northampton. The Commission shall have the authority to promulgate regulations governing the setting of any net on the eastern or ocean side of the Counties of Accomack and Northampton.

C. It shall be unlawful to set or fish any net which is a hazard to navigation.

D. Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

Code 1950, § 28-47; 1950, p. 981; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-53; 1968, c. 748; 1990, c. 212; 1991, c. 683; 1992, c. 836.