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INPUT NEEDED ON OYSTER SANCTUARY SITE

MOREHEAD CITY - Fishermen, specifically oystermen and trawler captains, are invited to provide input on locating an oyster sanctuary in the "Crab Hole" area between Oregon Inlet and Stumpy Point Bay in northeast Pamlico Sound.

Meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 15 in Manteo's Festival Park and on Jan. 16 at Carrawan's Lodge in New Holland. All interested parties are invited.

Sanctuaries are created by building shell reefs on previously productive oyster producing sites. These reefs attract native oyster larvae, as well as clams, juvenile finfish, crabs and small marine organisms, which in turn attract larger fish. Harvest of oysters and the use of bottom disturbing gear are prohibited in the sanctuaries, allowing a brood stock of oysters to develop.

Each oyster produces millions of eggs annually that are carried by currents and tides to surrounding areas. By developing and protecting a brood stock, the availability of oysters in adjacent waters increases.

There are four existing oyster sanctuaries located in estuarine waters from Dare to Carteret counties. Eventually this new sanctuary is expected to cover 20 to 30 acres.

Because bottom disturbing gear is prohibited on sanctuaries, the Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking input on the best area to locate the site to minimize interactions with trawls, while maximizing the benefits of the site to oystermen and recreational fishermen.

For more information on oyster sanctuaries, please contact Craig Hardy in Morehead by e-mail at craig.hardy@ncmail.net or by calling 800-682-2632 or Greg Allen in Wanchese at greg.allen@ncmail.net or 252-473-1512.