Virginia Decodedhttps://vacode.org35667128.2-523Penalty2026Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal WatersTidal FisheriesOysters and ClamsFishing for Oysters and Clams; Device Restrictions

Any person who takes or catches oysters with a dredge, scrape, or instrument other than ordinary or patent oyster tongs or by hand, in any of the waters of the Commonwealth except as provided by law, or regulations of the Commission, is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Code 1950, §§ 28-154, 28-156; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-132; 1968, c. 747; 1992, c. 836.