Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: Feb. 3, 2009
Phone: (252) 726-7021

MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION SEEKS FLOUNDER ADVISERS

MOREHEAD CITY - The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for people interested in serving on a Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee.

This committee will assist the commission in reviewing and updating the state’s Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan, or FMP, originally adopted in February 2005.

An FMP is a document that describes the nature and problems of a particular fishery and recommends regulations to preserve that fishery. It includes information on the nature and concerns of both recreational and commercial fisheries, habitat and water quality issues and status of the stock. The FMP will be prepared by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries for commission approval.

The committee will be composed of representatives from the commercial and recreational fishing communities and scientists.
Individuals interested in serving as advisers should be willing to attend meetings at least once every two months and actively participate in the committee process. Advisers will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in relation to their official duties.

Advisory committee members are appointed by the commission chairman.

Adviser applications are available online at http://www.ncdmf.net/download/ADVISOR_AP.pdf , at Division of Marine Fisheries’ offices or by calling (252) 808-8022 or (800) 682-2632. Applications should be returned by Feb. 28 to the Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557, Attention: Kelly Mullen.

For information about the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Committee process, contact Chris Batsavage by e-mail at Chris.Batsavage@ncmail.net, or (252) 808-8088.