CHAPTER 638

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
§ 28-98.2 relating to the closing of areas of a certain river to oyster-
ing for restorative purposes and to provide penalties for violations.

(S 360]
Approved April 4, 1952

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
§ 28-98.2 as follows: —

§ 28-98.2. The Commission of Fisheries may close any area or areas,
provided such area or areas shall not exceed one thousand acres in the
aggregate, at any one time, in the James River for the purpose of main-
taining a spawning stock of oysters and in such event the Commission
shall cause to be placed and maintained sufficient buoys or other markings,
visible for at least two hundred yar ds, indicating that such area is closed
and that oystering by any means is prohibited therein.

Any person, firm or corporation thereafter oystering in such area
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be punished
in accordance with the provisions of § 19-265, and in addition thereto,
all boats, vessels and equipment used in the violation shall be forfeited
to the Commonwealth.