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SB 414

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact; withdrawal from compact.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Richard Stuart

Virginia bill authorizing withdrawal from Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact, potentially destabilizing multi-state coordination of shared Atlantic fish species and coastal fishing regulations.

Rereferred from Privileges and Elections to Finance and Appropriations (11-Y 3-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 414

Legislative bill overview

SB 414 would authorize Virginia to withdraw from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Compact (ASMFC), a multi-state agreement that coordinates marine fisheries management and conservation along the Atlantic coast. The bill enables the state to unilaterally exit this 80-year-old interstate compact after providing notice to other member states.

Why is this important

The ASMFC regulates commercially and recreationally important fish species (striped bass, blue crab, flounder, etc.) that span multiple state waters. Virginia's withdrawal would remove the state from coordinated management of these shared resources and could trigger disputes over fishing rights, conservation standards, and resource allocation affecting Virginia's fishing industry, seafood economy, and coastal communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Interstate coordination loss: Removing Virginia from multi-state fisheries management could create regulatory gaps and undermine conservation of migratory species that don't respect state boundaries
  • Economic impacts: The fishing industry relies on ASMFC-coordinated stock assessments and harvest limits; unilateral withdrawal could destabilize supply chains and create competitive disadvantages
  • Litigation risk: Other compact states may legally challenge Virginia's withdrawal or pursue disputes over fishing access and resource rights in federal court

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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