HB928 should not be considered as adequate laws are already in place and this would create a class division and open opportunities for misapplication. All user groups should enjoy the same access and protection levels whether recreational or commercial. discriminating against certain user groups is not ethical or part of the north American game management model. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, You should oppose HB928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for every Virginian.

Oppose HB928 Unessary legislation as adequate protections exist for all boaters currently. It is critical that commercial fishing not be granted these protections as it may lead to "overuse" of law enforcement resources by the commercial fishery. I am very concerned this bill may actually generate more conflict between watermen, recreational boaters, commercial vessels, and even waterfront homeowners if it is enacted.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I have written in to the past HBs this fall and I am writing in again to help protect our waters. I am in full opposition of this bill. It Our fisheries are depleted and waters are warming. I'm sorry for the impact that these regulations may have on Omega, and more specifically the actual workers who they employ. Sadly, we must oppose industry practices that are not supportive of both our ecology and community, even if it comes at the expense of some local economy. Humans are resilient, they will find a way. Fish are also resilient, but in the face of human greed and corner cutting, resilience isn't enough. We must take responsibility for our waters. I will keep writing in to these. Hopefully we can work through this period of conflict and move into a more ethical future with less presence of Omega and commercial overfishing in our waters. Again, I am in full oposition to this bill and exclusive fishing rights for commercial fishers.

I am opposed to this bill because I am concerned that this bill could be used to, in effect, eliminate access to fishing opportunities for recreational anglers who should be afforded the same access and protections as commercial fishermen.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

Omega Protein, not only does NOT require any specific additional legal protections from the Commonwealth, but as it is Virginia’s only industrial menhaden processor, it IS, in fact, a DETERMINANT to a MAJORITY of the citizens of the Commonwealth! The benefits of Omega Protein’s continued existence benefits very few people, while it does great harm to the environment of the Chesapeake Bay and the entire eastern coast of the United States in general. The indisputable fact is that Omega Protein removes almost all of the menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay and thus the entire region. The menhaden is a primary food source for the entire ecosystem of the Chesapeake Bay region, and therefore this is a major NEGATIVE IMPACT for the entire East Coast of the United States. There can be NO DOUBT that in the ABSENCE of the environmental damage caused by the continued operation of Omega Protein, the entire Chesapeake Bay ecosystem would be FAR HEALTHIER and all other marine species would be positively impacted by the protection of the menhaden fishery. Those Commonwealth politicians who are continuing to support Omega Protein will find themselves on the wrong side of this issue in the end. History repeatedly shows that overfishing of even a single species (crabs, strippers, redfish, etc.) is destructive to the entire marine ecosystem. Not only do I strongly oppose this particular bill, HB 928, but I strongly oppose the continued operation of Omega Protein, as it obviously has a very negative impact on the Commonwealth in general and the Chesapeake Bay in particular. Sincerely, Greg Hairston 131 Routten Rd Hampton, Va 23664

It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian. Support of foreign corporations over native Virginians will be the first factor I consider come election time and my vote will not go to any official that has a history of such action.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

Totally oppose this bill as infringement on Virginia citizens and recreational fisherman’s rights

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

This bill appears to grant preferential rights to commercial fishermen over all others on the water. While I am not in favor of permitting anybody to harass another, we already have laws that govern the rights and behavior of all people in the water and it seems unnecessary to introduce a new law that unfairly advantages one group over others. There is no need for a new law and this should be rejected.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I am writing you to share my thoughts and concerns regarding your proposed legislation, House Bill 1465. 1. State laws already exist (impeding, assault, battery and property damage) that protect the safety and property of commercial fishermen from abuse. 2. There is no evidence of an increase in these offenses directed towards the commercial fishing industry in Virginia. This law is unjustified. 3. The impeding law, (Code of Virginia 28.2-903.1.) has only been enforced once by the VMRC. It is a class 3 misdemeanor. 4. The proposed law is unequal in that commercial fishermen would receive greater protections than recreational fishers and boaters. 5. Words like “coerce, intimidate, harass or interfere” are overly broad and subjective. 6. The 50-foot distance is arbitrary and unenforceable on the water. 7. Requiring court venue to be in the home port of the vessel is equal to “forum shopping” and counter to existing law and practice. 8. The special license revocation provisions directed at recreational fishers and hunters is discriminatory. 9. If passed, this legislation could have a chilling effect on fundamental liberties, including the constitutional right to protest. 10. Commercial fishing vessels are either docked or underway and generally not easily approachable or interfered with. 11. Seizure and forfeiture of a vessel for a simple misdemeanor violation of this proposed law is excessive. 11. The tidal waters of Virginia are public space. The marine resources of this state are owned collectively by the public. Citizens should not fear imprisonment for monitoring the commercial fishing industry for abuses. 12. This proposed legislation contradicts the moral principles of equal and fair representation. The proposed legislation is unneeded and unjust. 13. I presume that Cooke, Inc. (a Canadian-based seafood company) has supported this legislation directly or through middlemen. Note: Impeding commercial fishing in Canada is equal to a class 1 misdemeanor (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act 13.1). I urge you not to allow foreign owned companies to influence our elections, criminal code or civil liberties.

Bumping up this misdemeanor creates a “bullying “ situation that any commercial fish entity can use to make trouble for recreational fisherman who may already be in an area exercising their right to fish.

I strongly oppose HB928. Over the last 25+ years living in VA I have seen how reduction commercial fishing has destroyed the bay. No other state on the east coast allows this. Commercial fishermen should not be afforded special protections above others on the water. They are the culprits who threaten others on the water.

Please do not pass HB 928. Omega Protein already takes too many fish out of the bay, menhaden and everything else. I have been fishing after the Omega nets have been through the area and there are no fish to be caught, not even a nibble. I would be for a bill that permanently sends Omega and their boats out of the bay and into the ocean like other states have done. Please do not pass HB 928. Thank you

I cannot improve on the comments made by Cortez ( from Mechanicsville). Like our National Forest and Public Lands, we all own this resource, not the two hundred or so seasonal employees in Reedville. Stop or severely curtail the harvest inside the Bay until a thorough study has been completed.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

Please do not support this bill . Omega is destroying the menhaden in the bay at a rate much faster than it can replenish itself. Recreational fishermen should have the same rights as commercial. Save the bay!

Don’t do this - omega is trashing our fisheries here in VA and the rest of the east coast, they routinely ignore quotas- this is absurd to put their interests over all the Virginian who enjoy our waters or depend on recreational fishing for a livelihood .

I hope you are not seriously siding with a foreign country's business, and giving them priority over a legal Virginan. Impending anyone from fishing is already a misdemeanor, what makes a commercial fishing vessel have priority over a Virginian resident fishing. I believe y'all should stop thinking about the money more than the duties and protection of Virginians that you swore to uphold.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I appose this and omega fisheries should not be allowed to harvest anything in the bay area. This is a resort city and people come from all over to fish these waters and the fishing is declining for the regular anglers. I am an avid fisherman and I fish fresh and salt water and for what you have to pay for licences and registration to have the rest of the places to fish taken away is ridiculous. There is hardly any place to fish here without being harassed by police or game wardens for trespassing or the place closing at a certain time. If this crap passes then more places should be accessible for regular fisherman and cost for the fishing license and boat registration should be cut in half . Make the big mighty omega fishery pay a lot more to harvest and kill the fish in the bay. This is the worst kind of thing that can happen. Always looking out for the rich man instead of the not so rich man and making it hard for the little guy that just wants to take his kids fishing and not have to drive miles away from home just to find a place to fish. Let the big fisheries go farther away...they can afford it.

There are already laws that prohibit harassing these Omega pirates. Just enforce those laws. This bill will give omega a pass to harass us recreational fishermen on the contrary. The bill should be voted down.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

Omega needs to be banned from the bay. I am a recreational fisherman and i do not need omega bullying me out of the area because they want to drop nets. They should not be raping our bay to begin with. This is insane and completely asinine.

As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

Strongly oppose. Recreational fishermen would be negatively affected.

As a fly fishing charter captain, business owner resident of Virginia, angler, and conservationist, I am completely opposed to HB 928. The idea that a Commercial Vessels have any more right over the water than recreational vessels creates restrictions for your constituents that are neither just or necessary. As it stands, a vessel involved in commercial fishing has the right of way under Coast Guard regulation making this bill unnecessary. There are a lot of charter guides with commercial licenses, what would happen if a recreational charter captain with a commercial license and one without one were to find themselves at odds over a spot - would the law automatically favor the one with a commercial license? The US holds water in a public trust, in a way, this is an attempt to privatize sections of the resource and completely against the entire conservation model. Please shut down this bill for my business, for your constituents, and for the resource that Omega seeks to destroy for their own profit. Thank you, Capt. Valencia

We oppose the bill.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

As a student currently engaged in graduate studies for environmental economics, I strongly oppose HB 928. I currently live on a tributary to Mobjack Bay and enjoy leisurely afternoons with my family on our boat. We have been closely monitoring the Osprey pair that nest in front of our home and sadly, have witnessed nest failure over the past three years, meaning they have produced no offspring. There is a significant decline and failure of Osprey viability in the Mobjack Bay area, directly tied to Omega Protein overfishing within the Chesapeake Bay. Their actions are basically starving the Osprey and negatively impacting other fish species who feed upon menhaden. Last year, we witnessed our male Osprey grab a rodent from our field, which upon speaking to a William and Mary wildlife biologist about this behavior, exclaimed the birds had to have been particularly starving for that to occur. To allow any commercial fishing vessel special protections on top of their ability to already overfish our delicate marine ecosystem is unconscionable.

Providing commercial fishing operations additional protections above that which is granted to recreational fishers is hypocritical relative to their respective impacts on the environment. Additionally this case appears to be precedented by acts of a non-fishing related boat operator and therefor including penalties for licensed fishers is irrelevant to the actual issue. As a dedicated conservationist and sportsman, and voter, I do not support this bill.

I vehemently oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian. Sincerely, Dr. Suzanne Seekins

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian. -Charles Barefoot

OPTIONAL TEMPLATE COMMENTS: I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

AGAINST: HB928 does not give any parameters as to the distance before an interruption is valid. Furthermore, this bill criminalizes any recreational fisherman or boater within the vicinity of a commercial boat whether transitting or enjoying a beautiful day off the coast. Finally, the last action in this bill shows an agenda of protecting commercial fisherman over amateur fisherman. Instead of revoking the offenders boating license the penalty is to revoke a hunting and fishing license. This shows malice towards amateur, weekend, and family fisherman.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian. Before voting on a Bill it is incumbent of every Member of government to at least ask one question about any bill before them. Is there a law in place already? If the answer is yes , the Bill should be voted down Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. Therefore HB 928 should be voted down. There is a law in place to protect all people from interference while fishing. There is no need, nor should there be any desire to place one segment of the fishing community above the other. Thank you for your service to all the people of Virginia.

I am strongly against HB 928 and have serious concerns that this bill is both unreasonable and unjustifiable because it assigns special protections for commercial fishermen and commercial vessels over all other citizens, boaters, and property owners in the Commonwealth. Currently, under Virginia law, ANY PERSON who impedes ANY FISHING of any species of fish is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water already is subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property.

As a charter captain in the Chesapeake Bay, I strongly encourage you to oppose this bill. This bill basically gives every commercial vessel in the bay, right way at all times while transiting the bay. The United States, Coast Guard has rules and regulations when it comes to how to navigate around vessels. This law is punitive to the recreational angler or pleasure motor as it gives commercial vessels complete control over the water. I can just imagine some recreational anglers fishing an area and an omega protein boat come in and set nets and then try to call the police to say the recreational anglers are harassing them . This is a terrible bill and should not make it out of committee. I encourage you to do research because there are already several statutes and laws regarding criminal offense toward commercial fisherman we don’t need anymore. Thank you for your consideration, Capt. Craig Freeman

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As an avid angler and kayaker in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

The Chesapeake bay does not belong to omga protein,It belongs to the people of Virginia. I strongly oppose HB928

I oppose this bill and any regulation that favors commercial fishermen over recreational fishermen. Recreational fishermen contribute much more to the Virginia economy than then commercial fishing. This Bill seems to be created to benefit one corporation which has headquarters out of this country. We ALL deserve the same protection under the law. I will support stronger penalties for those that harass all fisherman, not just commercial.

OPTIONAL TEMPLATE COMMENTS: I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian. I encourage you to support legislation that restricts the destruction of our bay and fisheries by the over harvesting of fish by commercial fisherman.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

This bill only provides protection for commercial fishermen and seems tailored specifically towards Omega Protein. As a recreational fisherman I have been harassed on the water by both Omega protein and PETA. If you are going to pass this legislation it should at the minimum be modified to apply to all fishermen on the water. If the bill is not modified it should not be passed. Preferential treatment for one class of fishermen is discriminatory. We are all supposedly treated equally under the law.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I vehemently oppose any regulation that favors commercial fisherman over recreational fisherman. I have also been harassed by a jet ski while fishing from a kayak on the Chesapeake Bay. We ALL deserve the same protection under the law. Forget HB928! However, I will fully support stronger penalties for those that harass ANY fisherman, not just commercial. Thank you for your consideration. -Steven Fry

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

As a Virginia resident who represents a ordinary typical citizen who participates in recreational boating and fishing, I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is currently subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler which is both unfair and unjust. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian regardless of association with either the commercial or recreational fisheries or safe boating activities.

The minhaden boats are emptying the bay every night 7 days a week. Please stop this ecological nightmare, normal anglers cannot enjoy fishing when there are no fish, and I certainly don't think a commercial fishing operation like this should have control of our bay.

strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I oppose this bill. It provides special protections for commercial fisherman over all others. Recreational fishermen contribute at least 3 times more to the Virginia economy than then commercial fishing. This Bill seems to be created to benefit one corporation which has headquarters out of this country.

strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

This bill is both unreasonable and unjustifiable because it assigns special protections for commercial fishermen and commercial vessels over all other citizens, boaters, and property owners in the Commonwealth. Currently, under Virginia law, ANY PERSON who impedes ANY FISHING of any species of fish is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water already is subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. I am also concerned that this bill could be used to, in effect, eliminate access to fishing opportunities for recreational anglers who should be afforded the same access and protections as commercial fishermen. A law already exists which addresses the concern, if there is a violation then the law needs to be enforced. Don't waste time and taxpayer resources remaking laws that already exist.

This bill is totally unnecessary and ridiculous in its nature. Why would the government give unfettered acces to our fishable waters to any one group. In the case of Omega, they refuse to obey the quotes set , yet they want to own the water surrounding their vessel? I do not condon the whale wars type of harassment of any one group, but i also don't agree with giving them unfettered control of their fishing territory

Although I do not condone interference with commercial vessels, I believe the proposed bill will give commercial vessels, who already have too much of a presence in our protected waters, even more control. Time would be more wisely spent policing the fish kills and over fishing of our Bay. Why not do your job and protect the bay for future generations rather than line your pockets with donations form companies like Omega?

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928, recreational anglers should be afforded the same access and protections as commercial fishermen. Get the menhaden boats out of the bay and this bill would not be needed.

I am concerned the bill may be worded that a company like Omega uses it to their benefit beyond the safety matters as the purpose. Omega has shown their ability to imply certain issues are worse than or not as significant as reality.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

I strongly oppose the passage of HB 928. Under current Virginia law (29.1-554.1), any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish already is committing a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is now subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. While I in no way condone the dangerous actions observed in the video Omega Protein released in which its boats were harassed by a jet skier in the Chesapeake Bay (who was later convicted for his crime), HB 928 would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water. It would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler. Also of concern is the open-ended definition of what can be considered interference, and what that might mean to anglers trying to have as much access to fishing opportunities as commercial vessels. HB 928 would also discriminate against all Virginians except commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish, hunt, and/or trap for laws that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. Current Virginia law (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any hunting, trapping, or fishing-related offenses. Under HB 928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting, trapping, and/or fishing license would be much more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. As a member of the recreational and boating community in Virginia, I urge you to oppose HB 928 and to maintain equal protections to safety and property for each and every Virginian.

Comments Document

The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership remains strongly opposed to HB928 in its substituted form. The House subcommittee substitutions adopted do not alleviate our concerns that the provisions of HB928 are unreasonable and unjustifiable, as they afford special protections for commercial fishermen and commercial fishing vessels over all other anglers and boaters in the Commonwealth. The substituted bill text could still, in effect, eliminate access to fishing opportunities for recreational anglers and boaters who should be afforded the same access and protections as commercial fishing operators. Virginia Code (29.1-554.1) states that any person who impedes any fishing of any species of fish is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor. This means that everyone on the water is subject to the same rules of conduct and the same rights to safety and property. HB928, which would subject anyone interfering with commercial fishing activity to a Class 1 misdemeanor, would discriminate against recreational anglers and boaters by giving commercial fishermen extra protections under the law while on the water, and would subject anglers and boaters to more severe criminal punishments (including jail time) than if a commercial fisherman were to interfere with a recreational angler, for example. Virginia Code (29.1-338) subjects all citizens to the same licensing penalties for committing any related offenses. Under HB928, the penalties placed on the public’s ability to apply for and keep a hunting and/or fishing license would be more severe if they were to be found guilty of interfering with commercial fishing activities, than if a commercial fisherman were to be found guilty of the same offenses. Again, HB928 would discriminate against all Virginians but commercial fishermen by eliminating their ability to fish and/or hunt for charges that commercial fishermen would not be subject to. To make their case, supporters of this bill have been using a video of an incident from 2023, where a man on a jet ski interfered with menhaden reduction fishing operations. The man was declared guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, as current Virginia law requires. According to HB928, for the same incident, that man could be declared guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and face jail time. However, if a commercial fishing vessel were to approach a recreational angler fishing for striped bass amongst a school of menhaden, for example, and interfere with his recreational fishing activity, the commercial fishermen involved would not be subject to the same penalties. HB928 is discriminatory against not only recreational anglers and boaters, but anyone on Virginia waters who isn’t a commercial fisherman. This discrimination is also clear from public comments made by the coalition supporting this bill, who have stated, “Current law provides for minor penalties, like small fines, which are an insufficient deterrent to individuals with the financial means to own and operate recreational watercraft.” Just because a person is financially able to rent or buy a recreational watercraft, does not mean they should be subject to more severe criminal penalties for their personal conduct. This type of sentiment when creating the laws that all citizens of the Commonwealth must follow is highly discriminatory and unjust. Boating safety laws and wildlife and fishing laws must be applied equally under the law, regardless of the activity the public is engaged in, and regardless of financial means.

I am writing to express my support for HB928. As a Waterman, Vice-President of the VA Waterman’s Association that represents Commercial Fisherman; and as a Veteran and Founder for Knott Alone—Hold Fast, inc. Hold Fast is a therapy program to help prevent Veteran and first responder suicides that uses crabbing, oystering, aquaculture, and shoreline vegetation production as well as recreational fishing and hunting as part of our work/nature-based, peer-supported program. We are out on the Bay daily as part of our program and have personally witnessed reckless behavior by recreational boaters and fisherman in an apparent show of their disapproval for Commercial Fisherman. Boaters will run through crab pot lines, run wide-open directly beside a waterman hand-tonging oysters while standing on the side of the boat, cut in between boats dredging oysters. We recently had a commercial fisherman who had a striped bass recreational fisherman come along-side on the York River and cuss him out and then proceed to run across his gill-net tearing it up. This reckless and dangerous behavior is being enabled and empowered by groups like Menhaden Defenders and the VA Sport Fishing Association. You can scroll through their social media pages or listen on the maritime radio channels to witness this first-hand. Whether intentionally or not, the end result is that reckless individuals are using this “cause” to demonstrate their disapproval for Commercial Fishing and I have yet to see any public disapproval shown by these organizations to this sort of reckless behavior. They show the routes of the spotter planes and ask boaters to help “defend the bay”…recently when a jet ski harassed a commercial fishing boat they were applauded on several of these sites and one comment even said it was great that they Omega boats had to go back to “hell where they belong” because their gear was damaged. These actions against Omega Protein (the primary target of this type of harassment) has absolutely spread to other aspects of commercial fishing and must stop before someone is seriously hurt or these emboldened acts continue to target commercial fisherman and their gear. This bill is a great start to help give the VA Marine Police and the courts more avenues and flexibility to help mitigate this type of dangerous behavior. The current laws are basically a slap on the hand whereas this bill makes it a true consequence for an reckless action…a felony charge and a potential loss of a hunting/fishing privilege will hopefully make these individuals and groups that support and empower them think twice about endangering commercial fishermen! Thank you for considering this bill and thank you for the sponsors of this bill to help make a difference! Respectfully, Dan Knott

I am writing to show support of HB 928. Harassment toward working commercial fishermen has increased in aggression and become more frequent in recent years. Each incident has been documented and reported to the appropriate agency; unfortunately, the ramifications resulting from the incidents have not been a deterrent. While the menhaden fishing vessels may be large in size, the two smaller “purse boats” that are deployed to catch the fish are small 40ft boats with low sides and have 5 fishermen on each vessel. The attached video shows where a jet skier aggressively approaches these smaller vessels narrowly missing them on multiple occasions. The 10 fishermen onboard were put in great danger and could have been severely injured for absolutely no reason. These types of targeted incidents have become more frequent in the last few years and appear to directly coincide with the escalating aggressive comments and threats that have been documented on social media.

Good Afternoon! I am Lee Robbins, a Captain on the F/V Rappahannock for Ocean Harvesters out of Reedville Va. I and my entire crew are in favor of HB928. We thank the Patron Delegate Kent for drafting this Bill. I have been working on the Bay and Coastal waters since graduating from high school in 1982. I have Captained a vessel since 1997. Being responsible for 15 men on the open water night and day from May till January is a huge responsibility that I don't take lightly. In the last several seasons we have witnessed numerous acts of aggression against our fishery. We have been targeted on social media by individuals who report the locations of our vessels and planes daily. Boats have positioned themselves to keep us from catching the schools of fish that we seek. There have been verbal assaults by radio and close interaction. This past season we had the jet skier who not only scared our crew with his reckless operation and threats but also damaged our net. If we were to call the Hotline at VMRC and report every little incident, we wouldn't have had time to do our jobs and Law enforcement would have been stretched beyond their means. I hope this Bill can become law and help to curb the aggression so we can concentrate on our safety and livelihood. I have always welcomed boats to witness our process of fishing. We welcome boats to come alongside and get some of our catch for bait. Aggression and hate have no place in any work zone.

Good afternoon, I am writing today to show support for HB 928, the interference with commercial fisherman and penalties. We at UFCW 400 are the proud representatives of the Omega Protein fishermen. Fishermen have the second most dangerous in the nation. This bill would protect these workers from TARGETED threats to kill or do bodily harm, and other intended actions of harm. This bill protects workers from persons intending to do harm, threatening harm, and targeting fishermen while they are working. No worker should be targeted with death threats or threats of bodily harm while they are working. Fishermen already are working hard to keep themselves and others on the water safe; targeted attacks only heightens the dangerous nature of this job, and put lives at risk. We strongly urge support on this worker's safety bill.

Comments Document

Please see the attached letter of opposition to HB 928 from The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, a national conservation, hunting, and fishing advocacy organization dedicated to guaranteeing all Americans quality opportunities to hunt and fish. The TRCP has nearly 5,000 members who are Virginia residents, as well as partner organizations including the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association and American Sportfishing Association, headquartered in the Commonwealth. The property rights protections in this bill are already written into the Code of Virginia, rendering such amendments unnecessary. Our members have serious concerns that the provisions of this bill are both unreasonable and unjustifiable, as they afford special protections for commercial fishermen and the owners and captains of commercial fishing vessels over all other citizens, boaters, and property owners in the Commonwealth. There is also concern a broad application of this law could be used to, in effect, eliminate access to fishing opportunities for recreational fishing activities for anglers who should be afforded the same access and protections as commercial operations. As representatives for the recreational angling and boating community in Virginia, and along the Atlantic coast, we urge you to oppose HB 928 and maintain the current legal statutes that afford equal protections to safety and property for all Virginians.

Please table this unnecessary publicity stunt by the reduction fishing industry. The thought that a couple fishermen on a 26 foot boat can threaten a 300 foot long purse seine ship where the deck is ten feet above them is ridiculous. If passed the industry could bring charges against any innocent fisherman that comes near them and ruin them financially with defense costs. Our boating citizens have the right to approach these ships to see if they are violating fishing or pollution laws in their toxic bilge discharges. The public needs to know if they are catching our gamefish as the are feeding in the schools caught and if the fish are being killed in the process as about 500 red drum spawning fish were recently. This bill if passed would allow the industry to Threaten anyone that comes near them with arrest, huge fines and worse. I urge you to kill this dangerous proposal .

HB 928 is completely unnecessary and is part of the intimidation tactics practiced by the reduction industry for years. These industrial ships are quite large and often intimidate fishermen by their sheer size. They often show up in number and our anglers often feel a need to vacate the area. Sure, there has been some yelling over the years but we hardly need a new law! The truth is these large industrial ships simply do not belong in the fragile waters of our Chesapeake Bay. They have been banned by every other state on the East Coast, because those states have seen the harm this can cause to the ecosystem. This bill appears to be an effort to counter The criticism of this Canadian owned fishery. It is true that no one trusts this industry to do the right thing and they have shown us over and over They are not good stewards of the bay. For example, the industry is currently lobbying against an important bill that would provide necessary Research on the state of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. That tells you everything you need to know about this company and why this bill is nothing more than a smokescreen to detract from the real issue with this industry.

HB 928 is a naked attempt by the reduction fishing industry in the Northern Neck to put a cold chill on the grassroots effort of Virginia citizens to shed light on the practices of their industry. There has been no increase of incidents that would require additional penalties or measures. No one that I have heard of is out there attacking or even protesting commercial fishing vessels. How many incidents were reported in 2023? The clause pertaining to loss of fishing licenses to to scare honest boat captains away from hiring out or giving their services to those who may want to observe what is taking place, including the press. It also is trying scare recreational fisherman from even approaching areas where the industrial boats are fishing, for fear of having their vessels falsely accused of harassment. Allowing the charges to be brought by the jurisdiction in which the commercial vessel is ported instead of where the incident occurs, creates a situation where local prosecutors may be unduly influenced by the industry or community peer pressure to use their power to intimidate or falsely accuse. The further accusations and loose interpretations of conspiracy charges and electronic messaging leaves an exceptionally unfettered possibility for abuse. There are already multiple laws on the books that cover the criminality of anyone inferring or threating a commercial fishing boat, its captain, or crew. No one is out on the water protesting these boats. There has been a very, very limited number of filmed reports done to my knowledge. Here is an example of a typical encounter. The video is 3 minutes long. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcUHly7zmeQ Virginia waters are a public space. Boat captains who are acting legally should not fear legal action for monitoring the practices of commercial fishing. This bill is poorly written and a lowly attempt at bullying. It should be tabled.

I am writing to share my thoughts and concerns regarding proposed legislation, House Bill 928: 1. Laws already exist (impeding, assault and battery) that protect the safety and property of commercial fishermen from abuse. 2. There is no evidence of an increase in these offenses directed towards the commercial fishing industry in Virginia. 3. The impeding law, (Code of Virginia 28.2-903.1.) has only been enforced once by the VMRC. 4. The felony enhancements in the proposed legislation, are usually reserved for crimes against first-responders. 5. The proposed threat provision penalties, are usually reserved for crimes against Governor and his immediate family; not businesses. 6. Words like “approach, coerce, intimidate or harass” are overly broad and subjective. 7. Requiring court venue to be in the home port of the vessel is equal to “forum shopping” and counter to existing law and practice. 8. The special revocation provisions directed at recreational fishers and hunters is superfluous and discriminatory. 9. If enacted, the legislation would have a chilling effect on the constitutional right to protest. 10. Commercial fishing vessels are either docked or underway and generally not easily approachable or interfered with. 11. The tidal waters of Virginia are public space. The marine resources of this state are owned collectively by the public. Citizens should not fear imprisonment for monitoring the commercial fishing industry for abuses. 12. This special-interest legislation contradicts the moral principles of equal and fair representation. I respectfully request that this legislation be tabled.