Bay Scallop Meetings Planned This Fall

[NCangler]

MOREHEAD CITY – A series of meetings will be held to discuss future management of North Carolina’s bay scallop fishery.
Bay scallops are found in coastal waters in the central part of the state, primarily in Carteret County. These shellfish have been in decline since red tide swept through coastal waters in 1987. In recent years, it is thought cownose rays have been feeding on the remaining bay scallops, further reducing the stock.

Since July 2005, an advisory group, consisting of commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff, has been developing a fishery management plan for bay scallops. Management plans make long-term regulatory recommendations to conserve a fishery and are updated every five years.

The advisory committee drafts a proposed plan that goes out for public input. Once the public meetings are complete, the Marine Fisheries Commission endorses all or portions of the plan, which is then sent to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the General Assembly for review and comment. The draft plan goes back before the Marine Fisheries Commission for any modifications and then the rulemaking process begins. When rulemaking is complete, the commission adopts the final plan and implements any needed rules.

Included in the draft Bay Scallop Fishery Management Plan are management recommendations for harvest seasons, stock enhancement, environmental concerns and data needs. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings and share their thoughts on the future of the bay scallop fishery.
The meetings are at the following locations:

Oct. 16 – 6 p.m.
C-Mast Building - 330 College Circle
Morehead City, NC

Oct. 17 – 6 p.m.
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources' Regional Office
127 Cardinal Drive Ext.
Wilmington

Oct. 19 – 6:30 p.m.
Hatteras Village Library
57690 NC Highway 12
Hatteras

DMF News Release
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Nov. 6 – 6 p.m.
Duke Marine Lab Auditorium
Pivers Island
Beaufort

Nov. 7 – 6 p.m.
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building
Raleigh

Visit http://www.ncdmf.net/fmps/index.html to download a copy of the draft Bay Scallop Fishery Management Plan. For more information about these meetings, please contact Tina Moore by e-mail at tina.moore@ncmail.net or by calling 800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021.