Shellfish rules topic of fisheries hearing

MOREHEAD CITY - The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a series of public hearings on rules to implement updated Oyster, Clam and Interjurisdictional Fisheries Management Plans.

If implemented the proposed rules would:

• Change the oyster season closure date from May 15 to March 31 to reflect current management practices;
• Modify menhaden rules to clarify that bycatch must meet species size and possession limits;
• Designate oyster sanctuaries where no bottom disturbing gear or oyster or clam harvest is allowed;
• Broaden the fisheries director's proclamation authority to comply with federal regulations;
• Adopt rules for tuna to provide state enforcement of minimum size and creel limits;
• Strengthen production requirements and other rules pertaining to shellfish leases;
• Identify designated seed oyster management area;
• Codify oyster sanctuaries currently designated by proclamation.

There are also several proposed rules to correct typographical errors, reorganize and otherwise clarify existing rules.

Public hearings on the proposed rules will be tonight at Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo; Tuesday at Pitt Community College in Winterville; Wednesday at the DENR Regional office in Wilmington; and May 19 at the Center for Marine Science and Technology in Morehead City.

All hearings begin at 7 p.m.

A complete list of the proposed rules can be found at the N.C. Office of Administrative Hearings Web site in the N.C. Register at www.ncoah.com/rules/register/Volume22Issue20April152008.doc.

For more information on proposed oyster and clam rules, contact Division of Marine Fisheries biologist Tina Moore or Central District Manager Mike Marshall at 800-682-2632. For information on other proposed rules, contact division biologist Katy West at 800-338-7804.