CHAPTER 357

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
28-172.1, to provide that the Commission of Fisheries may, by regu-
lation, limit the catch of crabs; and to provide penalties for violation.

[S 229]
Approved March 14, 1956

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
28-172.1 as follows:

§ 28-172.1. Whenever, in the discretion of the Commission, the in-
terest of conservation and/or the crabbing industry so require, the Com-
mission may, limit the taking or catching of crabs by any one boat in any
one day. Such regulation, upon becoming effective, shall have the full
force and effect of law and violation thereof is hereby declared to be a
misdemeanor. No such regulation shall be effective until it shall have
been posted in at least three public places in each county and city
in Tidewater Virginia. A certificate of a duly authorized agent of the
410 ACTS OF ASSEMBLY [VA., 1956

Commission showing that the same has been posted shall be conclusive
evidence thereof.

Possession of crabs in excess of the amount provided by such regula-
tion shall be prima facie evidence of violation, provided, however, that the
provisions of this section shall not apply to crab buy boats.