THE MFC ADVISOR
Marine Fisheries Commission Business Meeting
Carolina Beach, North Carolina
January 22-23, 2009

The Marine Fisheries Commission and the Division of Marine Fisheries continue to look for ways to keep committee advisors and the public informed about commission activities. It is our intent to publish the MFC Advisor after each business meeting, summarizing the meeting, and providing a list of motions and rulemaking proceedings. Hopefully this bulletin will keep you better informed about commission activities. Visit http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/advisor.html to view this and past issues of the Advisor. Your comments regarding this update are always appreciated – please contact Nancy Fish by e-mail at nancy.fish@ncmail.net or by phone at 252-808-8021 or 1-800-682-2632.

The MFC held a business meeting January 22-23 at the Courtyard Marriott in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. The following commission members were in attendance: Mac Currin – Chairman, Dr. B.J. Copeland-Vice Chairman, David Beresoff, Rob Bizzell, Mikey Daniels, Jess Hawkins, Edward Lee Mann, Rusty Russ and Bradley Styron.

Motions and Actions
Chairman Currin reminded the commission of the requirements of Executive Order One.

Commissioner Hawkins gave the invocation.

Chairman Currin introduced Edward Lee Mann, a new commissioner from Manteo replacing Marshall Williford in a recreational fishing seat. Mann said it is an honor to be on board and he promised to do best he can. He said his understanding of his job is to protect the fisheries.

Chairman Currin also announced MFC Attorney Frank Crawley was out recovering from surgery and Assistant Attorney General Jennie Hauser was sitting in for him at this meeting.

The agenda was approved as amended for the January 2009 MFC business meeting by consent.

The minutes of the November 2008 MFC business meeting were approved by consent.

Public Comment
At this point in the meeting the public comment period was held. The following individuals addressed the MFC:

Dale Petty, a recreational fisherman from Manteo, encouraged the MFC to approve the Coastal Recreational Fishing License Fund projects as recommended and to adopt the proposed violation suspension and revocation system. He also asked DMF Director Louis Daniel to prohibit commercial strike netting for trout in small creeks pending a thorough review of data and to consider a permanent ban of the practice.

Chris Mickey of Wilmington told the MFC he has had problems with gill netters improperly marking their nets. He said the nets get caught in his boat prop. He also said the nets catch sea turtles and impact fish populations.
Ken Seigler of Hubert gave a presentation on Camp Lejeune restricting access to creeks leading to Bear Inlet in an area near a Marine Corps bombing range. Seigler claims the base has moved its restriction lines beyond their authorized area. He said he has been fishing the area for 30-some years and does not remember any incidents of commercial fishing activities causing bombs to discharge. The only incident he could recall happened about 20 years ago, and it involved a scrap metal dealer, when the base allowed junk yards to scavenge the area.

Scott Wyte of Wilmington spoke in support of the Titian America cement plant. He said he believes the company has abided by environmental regulations and followed a legal permit process. The plant will bring jobs to the area, he said. Wyte, who is in the construction business, said there is also a need for a cement plant in the Wilmington area.

Ed Scott of Castle Hayne said he lives on the Cape Fear River and believes it is a jewel that is under a severe threat from Titian America. If construction of the plant destroys wetlands, they will never come back, Scott said. Eventually the company will leave the area, and the plant will be just another Superfund site.

Chris Elkins of Chapel Hill said he was struck by the public comments asking the MFC to reopen bay scallop season. Elkins said he is not opposed to the re-opening, so long as it is based on objective scientific data and not anecdotal evidence. If bay scallops have the potential to spawn again in the spring, it may not be wise to open season, he said. Additionally, he said, no long term recovery can be accomplished without dealing with the issue of cow nose rays. He suggested that North Carolina work with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to develop a market for cow nose rays and to better manage the fishery for their predators – sharks. Opening of the season will not solve fishermen’s economic problems, Elkins said.

Julie Travis of Wrightsville Beach told the MFC she is very concerned about the permitting process associated with Titian America. She asked the MFC to send a letter requesting the Division of Air Quality delay Titian’s air permit.

Doug Springer, Cape Fear River Watch executive director, encouraged the MFC to hold its position on the Titian America plant. He said that mercury emissions in the cement industry are one of the least regulated in the state. The Northeast Cape Fear River is a pristine resource, and Titian America plans to strip mine 600 acres on its banks. The section of river where a former cement plant was located is the only mercury impaired section of the river, Springer said.

Mike Giles, Cape Fear Coastkeeper with the North Carolina Coastal Federation, said he fears Titian is trying to get through under a piecemeal permitting process before a thorough review process is complete

Issues from Commissioners
LAPPS - Commissioner Beresoff said he is generally not one who favors going to a limited entry fishery management system, but there are times when it is needed. He said he feels the MFC must do something for the fishermen in striped bass fishery.

Commissioner Hawkins brought up that there is contentious debate regarding the issue of initiating a Limited Access Privilege Program (LAPP) for the ocean striped bass fishery. DMF Director Louis Daniel told Hawkins that he has committed to the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture to giving the gear permits a try next year. He said even if the MFC gets statutory authority to implement a LAPP, it does not have to if the MFC does not feel it is necessary.

Strike Netting/Spotted Seatrout Petition – Commissioner Beresoff also responded to public comments complaining about commercial strike netting for spotted sea trout in the upper creeks. The comments came in support of a petition for rulemaking presented by the Coastal Fisheries Reform Group requesting an immediate closure on taking spotted seatrout with gill nets and gigs in designated nursery areas.

Commissioner Beresoff said that strike netting is a widely-used fishing method in the southern coastal waters. It is a method of fishing that allows fishermen to release all unwanted fish, while set netting does not, he said. There is documented information through Sea Grant that shows this, he said. Fish will come and go in the creeks, not necessarily because a gill netter is there, but because that is what fish do, he said. If people are breaking the law in inland waters they can be caught, and he gave an example of a time when he was operating under a scientific collecting permit, and was pulled by a Wildlife officer after someone reported his boat number.

Commissioner Bizzell said the comments the MFC received about strike netting confirms some of the reports he has been getting. He said he believes there are a few bad apples out there causing conflicts, and he would like DMF to pursue them.

Chairman Currin said he believes strike netting is an issue that would be best addressed in the upcoming Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan.

DMF Director Daniel said it is important to note that the strike netters are doing what fisheries authorities asked them to do by adopting a net attendance requirement in the Red Drum Fishery Management Plan. He said the MFC’s counsel needs to determine if the petition for rulemaking from Coastal Fisheries Reform Group meets the criteria for petitioning the MFC. If so, the MFC should move forward with the process of considering the petition. But DMF Director Daniel said he agrees with Chairman Currin, that it is a matter that should be dealt with in Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan and said there will be an issue paper developed on this matter as part of that process.

Bogue Banks No-trawl Area
Commissioner Styron told the MFC that, years ago, DMF established a no-trawl area within ½ mile of Bogue Banks due to conflicts with fishing pier operators. He noted that many of the fishing piers on Bogue Banks are gone now, and fishermen would like the no-trawl area shortened to ¼ mile from shore. Chairman Currin asked the DMF to review issue.

Mutilated Finfish
Commissioner Hawkins mentioned he had been contacted by former MFC Commissioner Robert Southerland regarding the mutilated finfish rule. Southerland’s son had been stopped by the Coast Guard and was given a verbal warning regarding several filleted fish that were subject to size and bag limits. The fish in question were either in the refrigerator or freezer for consumption by the crew. The Coast Guard reminded the boat captain that North Carolina’s mutilated finfish rule says it is unlawful to possess aboard a vessel or while engaged in fishing from the shore or a pier any species of finfish subject to a size or harvest restriction without having the head and tail attached. The issue was referred to the Law Enforcement Committee for consideration.

Chairman’s Report
Coastal Fisheries Reform Group Petition
Chairman Currin advised that the MFC attorney found minor issues with the Coastal Fisheries Reform Group petition that was presented to the MFC at the public meeting on the evening of Jan. 21, and she deemed the petition did not meet the criteria necessary for submission. Chairman Currin said the petition would be returned to the group with an explanation of where the petition failed to meet the criteria. Chairman Currin also reiterated that the issues brought forward in the petition would be addressed in the upcoming Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan.

DMF Director Daniel said the wanton waste and harassment issues brought forward by the Coastal Fisheries Reform Group caused concern and the issues were referred to the Law Enforcement Committee for review.

Soil and Water Conservation Program Resolution
The MFC discussed whether to send a proposed resolution to its Habitat and Water Quality Committee for review. During public comment on the evening of Jan. 21, Bill Hart of the N.C. Association of Soil and Water Districts asked the MFC to adopt a resolution encouraging the governor and the N.C. General Assembly to fully implement the Soil and Water Conservation Program, providing funding for more staff. The MFC agreed that, given the current state budget crisis, it was not the right timing for such a resolution.

MFC Seeking Committee Members
Chairman Currin announced that he is accepting applications from those seeking adviser seats on regional and standing committees. The deadline for applications is Feb. 16.

Fisheries Forum Cancelled
Due to budget and travel constraints, the MFC decided to cancel DMF and MFC participation in a Fisheries Forum that had been tentatively planned for March.

Vice Chairman Re-elected
The MFC re-elected Dr. B.J. Copeland as its vice chairman.

Motion by Rob Bizzell to nominate Dr. B.J. Copeland as vice chairman; seconded by Jess Hawkins - motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports
The MFC heard reports from advisory committee meetings held in October. Actions resulting from the reports follow:

Habitat and Water Quality - The MFC adopted a Compensatory Mitigation Policy that will shift efforts away from the idea of no net loss to one of protecting watersheds and strategic habitat areas.

Motion by Dr. B. J. Copeland to add the Compensatory Mitigation Policy to the MFC’s existing Habitat and Water Quality policy; seconded by Jess Hawkins - motion passed unanimously.

The Habitat and Water Quality Committee presented two draft letters to the MFC concerning the environmental permitting process for Carolinas Cement (Titan America) to build a cement plant on the edge of the Northeast Cape Fear River, a primary nursery area. One letter was to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asking the agency to address wetland destruction in its Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The other letter was to the N.C. Division of Air Quality asking it to delay issuing Titan’s air quality permit until after the Corps of Engineer releases its EIS and new air quality standards are published by the Environmental Protection Agency on March 31. The committee expressed concerns the plant would emit hazardous chemicals, such as mercury, which would settle into an already impaired marine ecosystem. Mercury and other chemicals bio-accumulate in species and end up in food fish like king mackerel and sharks. This is a health threat to humans.

Booker T. Pullen of the Division of Air Quality spoke to the MFC and said that Air Quality received an application from Titan America in February 2008. The agency was advised by its legal team that the State Environmental Policy Act did not apply to the Titan plant, and that Air Quality could go forward with a permit prior to release of the Corps of Engineers EIS. Chairman Currin asked if the agency was under a statutory deadline to issue the Air Quality permit, and Poland replied that it was not, to his knowledge. He said it normally takes around 24 months, including 12 to 18 months to process, and a 30-day public comment period. Air Quality also plans to hold a 30-day public hearing following the normal comment period, he said. Pullen said the agency will evaluate the potential for mercury, arsenic, lead, phenyl and other pollutants. Chairman Currin asked if the state could implement higher standards for mercury than required by the federal government, and Pullen replied that it could.

The MFC agreed to delay a vote on the letters until the second day of the meeting so commissioners would have the opportunity to review the draft letters in detail.

Finfish - Commissioner Beresoff relayed to the MFC that the Finfish Advisory Committee had received a presentation on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Amendments 16, 17 and 18 to the Snapper-Grouper Fisheries Management Plan. The Finfish Committee discussed that the SAFMC should allocate quotas to each state the way the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council does. The MFC voted to send a letter supporting state-by-state quotas for snapper-grouper species and king mackerel. Commissioner Beresoff also reported the Finfish Advisory Committee wanted to form a Compliance Advisory Panel (CAP) to look at whether or not North Carolina should go out of compliance with the Snapper-Grouper Fisheries Management Plan. There was much discussion regarding this matter and Commissioner Beresoff decided to take the issue back to Finfish for further review.

Motion by David Beresoff to support the use of state-by-state quotas for snapper-grouper species and king mackerel; second by Mikey Daniels - motion passed unanimously.

CRFL - DMF Director Daniel gave the MFC an overview of a Dec. 8 meeting of the Joint MFC/Wildlife Resources Commission CRFL Committee. The committee recommended funding of 11 projects, for a total of $1.9 million. Commissioner Hawkins wanted to note for the record that he serves on a public access advisory committee for the Carteret County Board of Commissioners, which was one of the 11 projects recommended for funding. He offered to recuse himself from the vote, but the MFC did not feel that was necessary.

Motion by Rusty Russ to approve CRFL proposals as recommended by the Joint MFC/WRC CRFL Committee; seconded by Dr. B.J. Copeland - motion passed unanimously.

To view a press release on the CRFL grants, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/news/NR2K9/NR-6-2009.html

Bay Scallops
The MFC received numerous requests from fishermen, including a petition, asking to open bay scallop season this year. DMF closed waters to bay scallop fishing in 2006 following extremely low harvests in 2004 and 2005. Waters had remained closed to bay scallop fishing since then based on a recommendation in the 2007 Bay Scallop Fishery Management Plan. The plan recommended prohibited harvest until biologists could determine what target to use to indicate the stocks are healthy enough to reopen an area. DMF Director Daniel told the MFC that while there is a study being conducted that could provide a better indicator, staff biologists have come up with an interim target based on DMF sampling in 1984 and1985, two good bay scallop years prior to the red tide. Based on this target, DMF recommended opening Core Sound and the eastern part of Pamlico Sound, but not Back Sound or Bogue Sound.

Motion by Dr. B.J. Copeland to open Core Sound and eastern Pamlico Sound to hand harvest only for commercial take on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Jan. 26 until the end of March with a harvest limit of 5 bushels per person per day not to exceed 10 bushels per boat and for recreational take on Saturdays and Sundays with a harvest limit of ½ bushel per person per day not to exceed 1 bushel per boat. DMF will close the season immediately if the catch per unit effort declines; seconded by Rob Bizzell - motion passed unanimously.

MAFMC and SAFMC Nominations
The MFC discussed nominations for an at-large seat on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and an at-large seat on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.

Motion by Rusty Russ to forward to the governor’s office the names of Preston Pate, Lee Tugwell, Frank Folb and Jess Hawkins as nominees for an at-large seat on the MAFMC; seconded by B.J. Copeland - motion passed unanimously.

Motion by Rusty Russ to forward to the governor’s office the names of Mac Currin, Bernie McCants, Chris Elkins, Rom Whitaker, Patrick Bryant and Chuck Manooch as nominees for an at-large seat on the SAFMC; seconded by Bradley Styron - motion passed with one objection.

FMP Policy Review
Michelle Duval, an assistant to the DMF director, gave a presentation to the MFC on defining the success of fishery management plans, explaining the uncertainty in stock recovery projections. She also explained a federal fisheries benchmark for fisheries management plans that requires them to meet a standard of at least 50 percent probability of achieving the target mortality rate for a species. The MFC considered adopting a similar policy for state fishery management plans. Commissioner Bizzell stressed a need for a higher probability rate, at least 75 percent, stating that 50 percent chance of success is also 50 percent chance of failure. Commissioner Copeland felt the MFC should keep the flexibility to decide success rates for individual FMPs based on the biology of the fish. Commissioner Hawkins agreed, using the recent turnaround in bay scallop abundance, as an example of the margin of error that exists in such predictions. Chairman Currin, however, noted that right now the MFC has no standard, and that the probability rate of success for the Southern Flounder FMP, adopted in 2005, was well below 50 percent. Chairman Currin said the MFC could always choose a higher probability of success for an FMP, but the 50 percent rule has standing in the courts. The MFC also felt that during the development of an FMP management options should not be brought forward that do not meet the 50 percent chance of success threshold.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Motion by Dr. B.J. Copeland to adopt an MFC policy that all state FMPs meet a standard of at least 50 percent probability of success; seconded by Rusty Russ - motion passed 5-4 with the chairman breaking a tie.

Stock Assessments
Spotted Seatrout - DMF biologists Christine Jensen and Beth Burns released a stock assessment that shows spotted seatrout is overfished and overfishing is occurring. However, since spotted seatrout spawn at a young age and spawn multiple times a year, the stocks should recover quickly. The assessment showed that while the commercial fishery for spotted seatrout has declined over the years, the recreational fishery has increased dramatically, and it is a concern that these anglers are fishing on smaller, younger fish.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Southern Flounder - Helen Takade and Chris Batsavage presented an updated southern flounder stock assessment. The original stock assessment from 2004 included data from 1991 to 2002. The reassessment includes data through 2007, and was completed to determine if the management measures from the 2005 Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan are having the desired effect. The reassessment found southern flounder mortality rates have decreased and spawning stock as increased, but the stock status remains overfished and overfishing is still occurring. Both commercial and recreational fisheries are very reliant on younger fish, although pound net fishery catches larger, older fish than gill net fishery.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Titan America Letters
Having had time to review and amend the draft letters regarding Titan America cement plant, the MFC voted to send them.

To view these letters, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Motion by Dr. B.J. Copeland to approve the two letters to the N.C. Division of Air Quality and the Corps of Engineers in reference to Titan America permits; seconded by Jess Hawkins - motion passed unanimously.

Southern Flounder FMP Review
In light of the most recent southern flounder stock assessment, the MFC considered whether to implement interim management measures to address overfishing while the FMP is under review. The FMP review will take at least 18 months, and the subsequent rulemaking process could take as long as 12 months. Commissioner Daniels said he thought the MFC should wait; that fishermen are going through enough hard times. Commissioner Beresoff said he did not think the MFC had enough information to go forward with interim measures at this time. The MFC asked DMF to develop a draft amendment to the plan for interim measures to bring back to the MFC at its May meeting. The MFC also formally voted to immediately establish a Southern Flounder FMP Advisory Committee to begin the FMP review process. DMF’s proposals for interim measures will go through the Finfish Advisory Committee.

Motion by Jess Hawkins to immediately begin the Southern Flounder FMP review; seconded by Mikey Daniels - motion passed unanimously.

Military Restrictions around Bear and Browns Inlets
The MFC discussed what role it should play in the issue of military restrictions around Bear and Browns inlets. During public comment, Ken Seigler of Hubert had given a presentation on Camp Lejeune moving its restriction lines and blocking access to creeks leading to Bear and Browns inlets in an area near a Marine Corps bombing range. Chairman Currin said he was not sure if this issue would not be better addressed by the state Attorney General’s Office. At the suggestion of DMF Director Daniel, the MFC agreed that DMF would send a letter to the Camp Lejeune commandant asking that the base not to unnecessarily restrict access to coastal waters and making reference to the MFC’s concurrence in the matter.

Mediation Update
DMF Fisheries Management Section Chief David Taylor told the MFC that he had scheduled a meeting for Feb. 6 for commercial and recreational fishermen to get together to iron out conflicts concerning the use of gill nets in the Newport River.

Suspension of Rules
If the DMF director suspends any fisheries rules by proclamation, the MFC must re-suspend those rules at the next meeting.

Motion by David Beresoff to re-suspend striped bass permit rules; seconded by Rusty Russ - motion passed unanimously.

The vote brought up a discussion of asking President Obama to consider reopening federal waters to striped bass fishing. It was then decided it would be better to direct the request to the new National Oceanic and Atmospheric administrator. The MFC decided to send a letter with this request, and also asking her to address the state’s concerns with data issues with the SAFMC.

License Suspensions, Revocations and Reissuance
Marine Patrol Col. Rex Lanier gave a presentation on a proposed fishing license suspension, revocation and reissuance schedule. The Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture has agreed to put forth legislation in the N.C. General Assembly to give the MFC authority to develop rules to implement a new schedule. The MFC asked the schedule be modified to increase the suspension for permanent polluted area convictions to one year, to require permanent revocation on an assault on a Marine Patrol office conviction, and to include a 30-day suspension for a larceny of product or gear conviction. This issue will go back to the Law Enforcement Committee for further review.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Strategic Habitat Areas
Anne Deaton, chief of DMF’s Habitat Protection Section, gave a presentation on proposed strategic habitat areas selected for Coastal Region I, which encompasses waters from Virginia to Oregon Inlet, including the Albemarle Sound. The areas will be incorporated by reference into a revision of the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan that is underway.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

For-Hire Survey
DMF Recreational Statistics Coordinator Doug Mumford gave a presentation on the method North Carolina uses to survey boat captains in the for-hire industry. While the state still uses dockside sampling to collect catch data, the For-Hire Survey collects effort data.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Director’s Report
Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture - DMF Director Daniel informed the MFC the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture voted to introduce legislation to allow:
• The MFC to develop rules to adopt a Limited Access Privilege Program for the commercial ocean striped bass fishery;
• The MFC to develop rules to adopt a license suspension, revocation and reissuance schedule;
• Marine Patrol to join the Intrastate Violator Compact.
• Statutory changes recommended in the Oyster/Clam FMP

Waterfront Access and Marine Industry Fund – DMF Director Daniel updated the MFC on progress of the Waterfront Access and Marine Industry Fund. It appears the state has worked out agreements for 12 of the 13 approved projects. The State Property Office did not come to terms on a price with the owners of Millis Seafood in Sneads Ferry. DMF is considering two options for the money allocated to Millis Seafood: approve another project for the property next door or solicit more proposals in the southern area of the coast.

Spiny Dogfish - Season has closed, about 29,000 pounds over 1.28 pound quota. The overage will be taken off next year’s quota. About 11 dealers and 70 boats participated in the fishery. A few reported late. DMF will send letters to the dealers expressing the need for timely reporting.

Conflict Between Crab Potters and Crab Trawlers in Pamlico Sound – DMF Director Daniel told the MFC there had been a conflict between crab potters and crab trawlers in Pamlico Sound when it appeared some large vessels were ready to trawl an area used by potters. The conflict was resolved with a compromise pot line, but it is an issue the Crustacean Advisory Committee needs to address for the future.

Red Drum Landings - Red drum season closed with fishing year landings about 75,000 pounds over the cap. DMF plans to reopen the season May 1 with a 100,000-pound bycatch cap and 7-fish limit. There was discussion about the impact of discards that will occur in the commercial fishery.

Commercial Hook-and-Line Speckled trout – DMF Director Daniels said there is an older commercial fisherman who wishes to use hook-and-line to catch commercial quantities of speckled trout. He said he told the man he would bring the matter up before MFC, but he is not recommending the MFC allow it because it would create an enforcement nightmare.

Striped Bass
Ocean - DMF Northern District Manager Sara Winslow gave a report on ocean striped bass landings. Thus far there had been none. Commissioner Daniels said he thought DMF should just open up the striped bass season, and quit making windows for different gears. However, DMF Director Daniel said that with a quota-managed fishery there is too much risk that fishermen could go over in just one or two days of fishing. Commissioner Styron said the ASMFC should allow the state to rollover its unused quota from low harvest years. DMF Director Daniel said he will bring the issue up for discussion at the next ASMFC meeting.

ASMA - The commercial striped bass season in the Albemarle Sound Management Area opened Jan. 1 with a 7 fish daily landing harvest limit. As of Jan. 19, reported landings were at 892 pounds. Beginning Jan. 15, shad webbing was allowed below the new Manns Harbor Bridge, but no shad or striped bass landings had been reported from that area.

Artificial Reef Master Plan - Due to state budget constraints, DMF has shifted the focus of the Artificial Reef Master Plan from offshore reef construction to supplementing oyster sanctuary reef construction in inshore waters. DMF could still do some offshore work if other funding sources become available, but the only way for DMF to avoid laying off staff was to cut non-statutory-required programs.

CRFL – As of Dec. 31, 2008, the Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) Sales Update shows a total of 888,704 licenses sold for a net revenue of $9,199,445 in the Marine Resources Fund.

The entire sales report can be found at: http://www.ncfisheries.net/CRFL/downloads/CRFLSalesReport12_31_08.pdf

DMF has sold one 10/10 Coastal Recreational Fishing License since it became available Jan. 1. Additionally, at the request of DMF, the Wildlife Resource Commission is making phone numbers a mandatory field on CRFL applications.

MAFMC
Summer Flounder - Red Munden, assistant to the DMF director, reported on a joint meeting between the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Northern states tried to eliminate state-specific conservation equivalency management measures for summer flounder in favor of a coast-wide 20-inch size limit. North Carolina fought to keep the conservation equivalency measures and won. North Carolina is asking for a 15-inch size limit on summer flounder.

Spiny Dogfish - The MAFMC and ASMFC recommended increasing the spiny dogfish, quota from 8 million pounds to 12 million pounds for next fishing year.

SAFMC
Snapper-Grouper - Brian Cheuvront gave an overview of Amendments 16, 17 and 18 to the SAFMC Snapper-Grouper Fisheries Management Plan.

Red grouper - A red grouper stock assessment is scheduled for 2009. There is concern that red grouper and gag grouper co-mingle, so the closure of gag grouper could necessitate restrictions on red grouper.

State-by-State Quotas - The MFC discussed the need for the SAFMC to give state-by-state quotas on snapper-grouper species so that North Carolina will not be disadvantaged by natural fish migration patterns. Cheuvront said some of the other states are warm to the idea, but it is something for which North Carolina must continue to work.

King Mackerel - A king mackerel stock assessment found that king mackerel is not overfished, but it could not determine if overfishing was occurring.

Spanish Mackerel - A Spanish mackerel stock assessment shows that the stock does not appeared to be undergoing overfishing, but it could not determine if stock is overfished.

To view this presentation, go to:
http://www.ncdmf.net/mfc/presentations.html

Cheuvront also advised the MFC a the SAFMC is holding a public hearing and scoping meeting in New Bern on Jan. 27 from 3-7 p.m. at the Bridge Point Hotel to take comment on the Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit Amendment, Snapper-Grouper Amendment 18 and the Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 2.

The meeting adjourned.
2009 Meeting Schedule:
May 28 – 29 Hilton, Kitty Hawk
Sept. 24 - 25 Clam Digger, Pine Knoll Shores
Dec. 3 – 4 Clam Digger, Pine Knoll Shores (tentative)