Additional Pamlico Sound Gill Net Restricted Area Meetings Set

[NCangler]

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has added two additional public meetings so commercial fishermen can provide input into the management of the Pamlico Sound Gillnet Restricted Area. The two meetings brings to five the total number of public meetings the division has scheduled on this issue.

Blake Price, a biologist in the Division of Marine Fisheries, will review observations and fishermen reports of sea turtle interactions with the gillnet fishery during the 2007 fishing season. He will also discuss the potential effect those interactions may have on the 2008 season. Specifically, the industry needs to be aware of potential regulatory changes that may require gear modifications such as shorter and shallower nets, and eliminating tie downs.

Fishermen will be asked to discuss their concerns and ideas for the management of the Pamlico Sound Gillnet Restricted Area. The division will provide a summary of industry input to the National Marine Fisheries Service in February.

The two new meetings are scheduled for:

Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 1 p.m.
Coastal Seafood Quality Seafood
200 Cedar Creek Road 2890 Cedar Island Rd
Sea Level Cedar Island

Previously announced meetings are still scheduled for:

Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.
South Point Seafood The Fessenden Center
416 Irvin Garrish Highway 46830 N.C. Highway 12
Ocracoke Buxton

Friday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m.
Engelhard Seafood
269 Goshew Back Road
Engelhard

For more information, call Price at (800) 682-2632, ext. 8090, or e-mail him at blake.price@ncmail.net.