Proclamation SH-9-97, requiring the use of BRDs in shrimp trawls, was issued July 24, 1997. The Entire Proclamation with supporting Tables and Illustrations is presented on this and the following pages.

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SH-9-97

PROCLAMATION RE: SHRIMP TRAWLING

Michael G. Buhl, Interim Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 0001 (12:01 A.M.) on Monday, September 1, 1997 the restrictions listed apply to shrimp trawls (otter and skimmer trawls):

I. GEAR RESTRICTIONS:

No person may use a shrimp trawl in coastal fishing waters without an operational North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) Bycatch Reduction Device(s) (BRD) properly installed in the tailbag of the net. Operational NCDMF BRDs include:

A. Florida Fish Excluders (FFEs) [see Figure 1]:

(1) The escapement opening of the FFE must be diamond or oval in shape.

(2) The escapement openings in diamond shaped FFEs must measure at least 5½" x 6 ½" or 6" x 6", inside diameter (see Figure 1). Oval shaped FFEs must measure at least 9" x 5", inside diameter.

(3) The apex (narrow end) of the FFE must face the headrope of the trawl.

(4) FFE legs must be at least 12" in length.

(5) FFEs shall have at least three (3) legs and no more than four (4) legs.

(6) The opening of the FFE shall be installed in the tailbag of the trawl no further forward than 65% of the functional tailbag length from the tailbag tie-off, (Table 1).

(7) At least one FFE shall be installed in each tailbag.

(8) The center of the FFE escapement opening must be installed no more than 19 meshes from the top centerline of the tailbag.

(9) FFEs must be constructed from aluminum, steel, or stainless steel round bar or tubing.

(10) The escapement opening of the FFE must be unobstructed

B. Eight inch (8") PVC "Sea Eagle" Fish Excluder:

(1) The apex (narrow end) of the "Sea Eagle" must face the tailbag of the trawl.

(2) The opening of the "Sea Eagle" shall be installed in the tailbag of the trawl no further forward than 38% of the functional tailbag length from the tailbag tie-off, (Table 2).

(3) At least one "Sea Eagle" shall be installed in each tailbag.

(4) The center of the "Sea Eagle" escapement opening must be installed on either side of the tailbag between 0 and 15 meshes from the top centerline of the tailbag.

(5) The escapement opening of the "Sea Eagle" must be unobstructed (the escapement flap must be free to move and a fish retention grate must not be present).

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