FF-47-2001

        PROCLAMATION

 

RE:  RED DRUM-COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATONS

 

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 6:00 P.M.  Thursday, September 6, 2001, the following restrictions will apply to the taking of red drum (channel bass) in a commercial fishing operation:

 

I.       HARVEST LIMIT

 

A.    It is unlawful to possess more than seven (7) red drum per day taken in a commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of individuals or vessels involved.

 

B.          Subject to I. A. above, no person may possess red drum incidental to any commercial fishing operation unless the weight of the combined catch of all other finfish (excluding menhaden) exceeds the weight of the red drum retained.

 

II.       GENERAL INFORMATION

 

A.    This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-182; 113-221(e); 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103 and 3M .0501.

 

B.    It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Fisheries Director under his delegated authority per 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

 

        C.    This action is being taken to allow for the transition into the new quota for the harvest season (September 1-August 31) implemented by the N.C. Red Drum Fishery Management Plan.  It is unlawful possess red drum less than 18 inches total length or greater than 27 inches total length.

 

        D.   This proclamation supersedes FF-33-2001(REVISED) issued April 2, 2001.

 

September 4, 2001

4:00 P.M.

FF-47-2001

/sab