Bill > HB2335

This bill creates a special digital free fishing license program specifically targeting blue catfish, an invasive species in Virginia. The Department of Wildlife Resources will establish a no-cost digital fishing license through their Go Outdoors Virginia mobile application, which will allow participants to log blue catfish catches by weight, number, and location. To obtain the license, individuals must watch an educational video covering license requirements, fishing techniques for blue catfish, how to upgrade the license if catching other fish species, and guidelines for releasing non-invasive fish. The program includes an incentive component to recognize participants who catch the most blue catfish by size, length, or number. The digital fishing license program will run until July 1, 2029, after which the Department must review and report on the program's effectiveness in reducing the blue catfish population in Virginia's waters. The goal of this initiative appears to be managing the invasive blue catfish population by encouraging more fishing of this species through an accessible, free licensing approach.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2335