INTERSTATE AGENCIES

POTOMAC RIVER FISHERIES COMMISSION

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Wayne G. France, Virginia, Chair (chosen by Commission in Feb., 1-year term), 2021

Maryland members appointed by Governor with Senate advice & consent to 4-year terms: Robert A. Boarman, 2019; Phil L. Langley, 2021; William L. Rice, Sr., 2021.

Ex officio: Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary of Natural Resources

Fishermen on Potomac River near Point of Rocks Bridge, Point of Rocks, Maryland, October 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

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Martin L. Gary, Executive Secretary

P. O. Box 9
222 Taylor St., Colonial Beach, VA 22443 - 0009
(804) 456-6935; 1-800-266-3904 (toll free); fax: (804) 224-2712
e-mail: martingary.prfc@gmail.com
web: http://prfc.us/

The Potomac River Fisheries Commission is a bi-state commission of Maryland and Virginia, authorized by the U.S. Congress under the Potomac River Compact of 1958. Maryland ratified the Compact in 1959 (Chapter 269, Acts of 1959).

From the Maryland-District of Columbia boundary line (near Woodrow Wilson Bridge) to the mouth of the River at Point Lookout, Maryland, and Smith Point, Virginia, the Commission regulates and licenses the fisheries of the main stem of the tidal Potomac River.

Commission work seeks to conserve and improve fishery resources of the tidewater portion of the Potomac River. Indeed, the Commission is responsible for reseeding and replanting oysters bars in the Potomac. In addition, the Commission regulates the dredging of soft-shell clams in the Potomac River. From the sale of clam, crab, oyster and fishing licenses, and an oyster inspection tax, the Commission receives proceeds. Annually, each state also appropriates approximately $175,000 to Commission work.

While the Commission is a semi-autonomous agency, its work and policies are coordinated closely with Fishing and Boating Services of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Marine Resources Commission of Virginia. Fishery agencies of both states provide law enforcement on the Potomac River for the Commission.

Eight members constitute the Commission. Four are from Maryland, and four from Virginia. Maryland members include the Secretary of Natural Resources and three persons named to four-year terms by the Governor (Code Natural Resources Article, sec. 4-306).

The Commission has three advisory committees whose members are private citizens involved in commercial or recreational fishing. Appointed to four-year terms by the Commission, they recommend to the Commission modifications of regulations, licensing, or other issues.

CRAB ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Maryland members appointed by Commission to 4-year terms:
Vacancy, Chair
Dean Edward Bowie, 2021; James Berthe, 2023; Samuel F. Swann III, 2024; one vacancy.

Maryland crabber appointed by Commission to 1-year term: John B. Morris, Jr., 2021

FINFISH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Maryland members appointed by Commission to 4-year terms:
Robert T. Brown, Sr., Chair, 2023
Harry M. Boyden, 2021; Jeffrey Pharis, 2021; James A. Bowling, 2024; Thomas L. Crowder, Sr., 2024; George G. Willett, Jr., 2024; Philip F. Zalesak, 2024.

Maryland member appointed by Commission to 1-year term: Russell A. Sullivan, 2021

OYSTER & CLAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Maryland members appointed by Commission to 4-year terms:
John F. Tucker Brown, Chair, 2024
Paul M. Springer III, 2021; Brian D. Hite, 2022; William L. Rice, Jr., 2023.

Interstate Agencies (Maryland memberships)
Maryland Government
Maryland & the Federal Government
Maryland Constitutional Offices & Agencies
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