Contact: Patricia Smith
Date: Feb. 27, 2008
Phone: (252) 726-7021

MORE CULTCH PLANTING MEETINGS TO BE HELD IN MARCH

WILMINGTON - The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold three additional public meetings in March to receive suggestions and comments on cultch planting.

Cultch planting is where shells and rock are placed to enhance shellfish habitat in potentially productive shellfish areas. Oysters, clams and other aquatic life are attracted to the cultch and will begin to immediately colonize the material.

The meetings are set for:

            Monday, Mar. 3                        Town Hall                                                        6 p.m.
            Varnamtown, N.C.

            Tuesday, Mar. 11                     Division of Marine Fisheries                              6 p.m.
            127 Cardinal Drive Extended
            Wilmington, N.C.

            Wednesday, Mar. 12                North Topsail Beach Town Hall                        6 p.m.
            2008 Loggerhead Court
            North Topsail Beach, N.C.

These meetings are in addition to previously announced cultch planting meetings.

DMF’s Shellfish Rehabilitation staff constantly look for ways to improve the program, so annual meetings are held to provide fishermen and interested parties the opportunity to provide advice and input regarding planting sites, methods, materials and quantities. Previously, the program only worked with oysters, but has expanded to include clams.