Chap. 319.—An ACT to prohibit the taking or catching of oysters in the Potomac
river by means of a dredge or scrape, or any instrument other than ordinary
shaft tongs or patent tongs. [H B 89]

Approved March 24, 1930

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That it shall
be unlawful for any person to take or catch oysters from the Potomac
river by means of a dredge or scrape, or any instrument other than
ordinary shaft or patent tongs, at any season of the year. Any person
violating the provisions of this act, upon conviction thereof, shall be
confined in the penitentiary for not less than one year nor more than
three years, or may be confined in jail not exceeding one year, and fined
not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than one thousand
dollars, either or both, in the discretion of the court or jury trying the
case. In any prosecution of the violation of this section against the
master or commander of a vessel, or any of his crew, or any person
on board thereof, proof that such vessel was equipped with a crank,
dredge or scrape shall be prima facie evidence of the violation of this
section. Any vessel, boat or other craft, her tackle, apparel, anchor,
cables, sails, rigging and appurtenances, and any dredge, scrape or
other instrument used in violation of the provisions of this section,
shall, together with the cargo of such vessel, boat or craft, be con-
demned as forfeited to the Commonwealth in proceedings, as provided
for the enforcement of forfeitures.

The provisions of this act shall not take effect until a similar act
becomes effective in the State of Maryland, whereupon the governor
of Virginia shall issue a proclamation declaring the provisions of this
act to be effective.