Contact: Nancy Fish
Date: October 25, 2006
Phone: (252) 726-7021

FISHERIES LICENSE OFFICES TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE NOVEMBER 13

MOREHEAD CITY- The Division of Marine Fisheries license offices in Washington, Wilmington, Wanchese, Columbia and Elizabeth City will be closed on Monday, November 13 for Coastal Recreational Fishing License training. The Morehead City license office will be closed from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. The offices will resume regular office hours on November 14.

Contact: Nancy Fish
Date: Oct. 12, 2006
Phone: (252) 726-7021

BAY SCALLOP MEETINGS PLANNED THIS FALL

MOREHEAD CITY – A series of meetings will be held to discuss future management of North Carolina’s bay scallop fishery.
Bay scallops are found in coastal waters in the central part of the state, primarily in Carteret County. These shellfish have been in decline since red tide swept through coastal waters in 1987. In recent years, it is thought cownose rays have been feeding on the remaining bay scallops, further reducing the stock.

Since July 2005, an advisory group, consisting of commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff, has been developing a fishery management plan for bay scallops. Management plans make long-term regulatory recommendations to conserve a fishery and are updated every five years.

The advisory committee drafts a proposed plan that goes out for public input. Once the public meetings are complete, the Marine Fisheries Commission endorses all or portions of the plan, which is then sent to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the General Assembly for review and comment. The draft plan goes back before the Marine Fisheries Commission for any modifications and then the rulemaking process begins. When rulemaking is complete, the commission adopts the final plan and implements any needed rules.

Included in the draft Bay Scallop Fishery Management Plan are management recommendations for harvest seasons, stock enhancement, environmental concerns and data needs. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings and share their thoughts on the future of the bay scallop fishery.
The meetings are at the following locations:
Oct. 16 – 6 p.m.
C-Mast Building - 330 College Circle
Morehead City, NC

Oct. 17 – 6 p.m.
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources' Regional Office
127 Cardinal Drive Ext.
Wilmington

Oct. 19 – 6:30 p.m.
Hatteras Village Library
57690 NC Highway 12
Hatteras

Nov. 6 – 6 p.m.
Duke Marine Lab Auditorium
Pivers Island
Beaufort

Nov. 7 – 6 p.m.
Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources
Ground Floor Hearing Room, Archdale Building
Raleigh

Visit http://www.ncdmf.net/fmps/index.html to download a copy of the draft Bay Scallop Fishery Management Plan. For more information about these meetings, please contact Tina Moore by e-mail at tina.moore@ncmail.net or by calling 800-682-2632 or 252-726-7021.

Contact: Nancy Fish
Phone: (252) 726-7021
Date: Oct. 12, 2006

MARINE PATROL ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Marine Patrol, law enforcement branch of the state Division of Marine Fisheries, has added two new officers to its ranks.

Gene Maready is a new field officer working in the Tyrrell County area. Prior to his employment with Marine Patrol, Maready worked for 13 years as a Deputy with the Duplin County Sheriff=s Department, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

Shane Bryan is a new field officer working in the Hatteras/Buxton area. Prior to his employment with Marine Patrol, Bryan worked for seven years as a Deputy with the Hyde County Sheriff=s Department. During his law enforcement career he has attended K-9 handler school and worked with the N.C. Multi-Jurisdictional Narcotics Task Force.

The Marine Patrol has 58 sworn law enforcement officer positions along the coast and its jurisdiction includes all coastal waters extending to 3 miles offshore and out to 200 miles offshore for some federally regulated species. Officers monitor 2.5 million acres of water and over 4,000 miles of coastline. Along with inspecting commercial and recreational boats, Marine Patrol officers also check seafood markets, fish dealers, restaurants, piers, beaches and vehicles carrying seafood.

For more information, please contact Colonel Joe Lynch, N.C. Marine Patrol, by e-mail at joe.lynch@ncmail.net or by phone at 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632.

Officer Gene Maready (click photo for larger version)	Officer Shane Bryan (click photo for larger version)