Marine Fisheries Commission Seeks River Herring Advisors

[NCangler]

MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION SEEKS RIVER HERRING ADVISORS

MOREHEAD CITY – The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is seeking interested individuals to serve as advisors to assist in updating the state’s River Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP).

Commission Chairman Jimmy Johnson said, “Advisors play a key role in determining the most responsible conservation and management measures for our fisheries. I encourage anyone interested in our fisheries resources to become part of this process.”

FMPs include information on the nature and issues of the fishery, habitat and water quality matters, and the status of the stock. The goal of the FMP will be to develop management options to address issues and concerns regarding river herring.

Advisors will assist the Division of Marine Fisheries in updating and expanding the existing River Herring FMP. The current plan only addresses blueback herring, but the revised plan will also include alewife, another species of herring.

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 800-682-2632. Applications should be returned by Jan. 31 to the Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557, Attn: Jess Hawkins.