Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: Jan. 6, 2009
Phone: (252) 726-7021

GRANT DECISIONS ON MFC MEETING AGENDA

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet Jan. 21-23 at the Courtyard Marriott, 100 Charlotte Ave., Carolina Beach.

The MFC is scheduled to vote on Coastal Recreational Fishing License grants for 2009. The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries received 19 applications for grants totaling $2.2 million. A joint committee consisting of members of both the MFC and Wildlife Resources Commission has recommended approval of 11 of the proposals totaling $1.7 million.

Grants from the N.C. Marine Resources Fund, which receives funds from the sale of Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses, must be approved by both the MFC and WRC. However, the WRC has delegated its decision to the joint committee. If the MFC agrees with the joint committee recommendations, the approval process is complete. If not, the two commissions must come to terms.

Other issues on the MFC meeting agenda include:

Discussion of a new fishing license suspension, revocation and re-issuance proposal. At its November meeting, the MFC asked the Joint Legislative Commission on Seafood and Aquaculture to pursue legislation to allow revision of the schedule against both commercial and recreational license holders. Discussion of the issue is on the Jan. 12 Seafood and Aquaculture Commission meeting agenda.

An update on stock assessments for spotted seatrout and Southern flounder that the Division of Marine Fisheries will use in developing a Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan and reviewing the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan.

Information on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Amendments 16, 17 and 18 to the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan.

The MFC business meeting will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 22 and 8:30 a.m. Jan. 23. A public comment period will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 21 at the same location.

See meeting agenda. For more information, contact DMF’s MFC office at (252) 808-8021.