September 30, 1996 MOREHEAD CITY -- Beginning Wednesday, October 3, 1996, recreational fishermen will be able to catch striped bass by hook-and-line in the Atlantic Ocean year-round.

Bruce Freeman, Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries, said North Carolina was able to change from a six-month season, to a year-round season in the Atlantic Ocean, because of increased numbers of striped bass. “This is a clear indication that management plans do work and the popular game fish is rebounding from the near-collapse of the 1980's,” said Freeman. Fishermen are reminded they will be allowed to keep two striped bass per day at a minimum length of 28 inches taken by hook-and-line from the Atlantic Ocean. It is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line.

Undersized striped bass that are caught should be handled carefully and returned to the water where taken as quickly as possible. By practicing careful release techniques and observing fishing regulations, fishermen help preserve fish for the future.

For more information contact, Harrel B. Johnson, District Manager, Northern Regional Office, 1367 US 17 South, Elizabeth City, 27909 -- (919)2643911 or (800) 338-7805

September 27, 1996 MOREHEAD CITY -- The Marine Fisheries Commission will vote on funding priorities for the 1997-1998 Fisheries Resource Grant Program at their quarterly business meeting on Nov. 1 and 2, 1996, at the Holiday Inn in Nags Head.

The priorities are divided into four categories: New Fisheries Equipment or Gear, Environmental Pilot Studies, Aquaculture or Mariculture, and Seafood Technology. To receive a detailed description of the priority categories, please contact Juanita Gaskill, Division of Marine Fisheries, at 919/726-7021 or 1-800/682-2632.

September 19, 1996 MOREHEAD CITY -- Officials with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) have announced new recreational limits for bluefish. Effective Monday, September 23, 1996, there will be no size limit for blues and anglers will be allowed to keep 10 fish per day.

DMF Director Bruce Freeman said, “We are making this change in advance of the traditional surfishing season, which begins in mid to late fall and runs through the winter months, so anglers will have time to adjust to the new limits. This action was taken in response to comments from recreational fishermen that the old bluefish size limit of 12 inches was an ineffective conservation measure.”

The public should be aware that the bluefish limits listed on the North Carolina Recreational Coastal Waters Guide for Sportsfishermen dated March 1, 1996, will be incorrect after this weekend.

For more information about these new limits, contact Jess Hawkins, Morehead City - DMF, at 919.726-7021 or 1-800/682-2632.

September 9, 1996 MOREHEAD CITY -- The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has committed over 30 Marine Patrol officers and at least 15 other employees to the Wilmington area to assist the State Emergency Response Team in dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Fran.

Marine Patrol officers are guarding beaches along the barrier islands from North Topsail Island to Kure Beach, with boats, helicopters and planes, to prevent looters from gaining access to these areas by water. In addition to patrol activities, officers are also clearing navigation channels and assisting in the location and identification of hazardous materials such as floating propane tanks. During this past weekend, the Marine Patrol participated in search and recovery activities.

“In addition to the personnel we have directly committed to the Wilmington area, there are about 15 employees here at headquarters that are providing support services to our people in the field,” said DMF Director Bruce Freeman. “Almost one-third of the DMF staff has been devoted to assisting with this tremendous disaster recovery effort and we will continue to provide support until this crisis is under control.”

For more information about the DMF or Marine Patrol activities, please contact Nancy Fish at 919/726-7021 or 1-800/682-2632.