How many cobia can you keep

The new recreational catch estimates were, on average, about two times higher than previously estimated, impacting the allocation between the two sectors.

Markwith ncdenr. How can we make this page better for you? When fishing from any recreational vessel, it shall be unlawful to take, catch, or have in possession more than one recreationally harvested cobia greater than 50 inches in total length per vessel.

Any person operating an aquaculture facility in which cobia that exceed the possession limit or are of sublegal size will be cultured, possessed, offered for sale, or sold shall first obtain a permit from the commissioner for the facility. That permit shall exempt the facility from the possession requirements described in 4VAC, 4VAC, and 4VAC, and authorize the possession, culturing, and sale of sublegal size cobia.

The application for a cobia aquaculture permit shall list the name and address of the applicant, the type and location of the facility, and an estimate of production capacity. An aquaculture permit shall be valid for 10 years from the date of issue and may be renewed by the commissioner provided the permittee has complied with all of the provisions of this chapter.

An aquaculture permit is not transferable. Any person employed by a permitted cobia aquaculture facility for the purpose of harvesting cobia as broodstock for the aquaculture facility shall be exempt from the provisions of 4VAC, 4VAC, and 4VAC provided that person possesses a scientific collection permit issued by the commissioner. All cobia produced by an aquaculture facility permitted under this section shall be packaged prior to sale with a printed label indicating the product is of aquaculture origin.

When packaged and labeled according to these requirements, such fish may be transported and sold at retail or wholesale or for commercial distribution through normal channels of trade until reaching the consumer. Cobia that measure less than the lawful minimum size described in 4VAC B but are the product of a permitted aquaculture facility in another state may be imported into Virginia for the consumer market.

Such fish shall be packaged and labeled in accordance with the provisions contained in subsection A of this section. It shall be unlawful for any cobia produced by an aquaculture facility located within or outside the Commonwealth of Virginia to be placed into the waters of the Commonwealth without first having notified the commissioner and having received written permission from the commissioner.

Recreational cobia permit and mandatory reporting. Commercial fishery possession limits, season, and reporting requirements. Last updated by Southeast Regional Office on December 30, Recent News Feature Story. Feature Story , Southeast. Feature Story. Feature Story , Pacific Islands. Pacific Islands. Why remove Atlantic cobia from the fishery management plan? How does this change the regulations of cobia in federal waters?

Where can I find more information on the amendment, environmental assessment, and the final rule? By Mail: Karla Gore. By FAX: By Phone: You may opt-out at any time.