Marine Fisheries Commission Seeks Red Drum Advisors

[NCangler]

MOREHEAD CITY – The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking interested individuals to serve as advisors in revising the North Carolina Red Drum Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

The Committee will assist the Division of Marine Fisheries in the preparation of a revised FMP for red drum. The original FMP was completed in 2001. Red drum support important recreational fisheries and are also a valuable bycatch component in several commercial fisheries. Current regulations are intended to prevent overfishing on juvenile fish, and spawning fish are protected through a harvest prohibition.

FMPs include information on the nature and concerns of the fishery, and habitat and water quality issues. A new assessment will be conducted to determine status of the stock. The goal of the FMP will be to develop options to address management issues and concerns.

Individuals interested in serving as advisors should be willing to attend meetings at least once every two months and actively participate in the committee process. Advisors will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in relation to their official duties.

Advisor applications are available at any Division of Marine Fisheries office or by calling 252-726-7021 or 1-800-682-2632. Applications should be returned by March 31, 2006, to the Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, North Carolina, 28557, to the attention of Jess Hawkins.