FF-54-2002    

                                                     

 

                                                            PROCLAMATION

 

RE:  SPINY DOGFISH SHARK

 

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, November 28, 2002, the following restrictions will apply to the commercial spiny dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias) fishery:

 

TRIP LIMIT

 

No person or fishing operation may land or possess aboard a vessel  spiny dogfish taken with commercial fishing equipment or for commercial purposes from the Atlantic Ocean.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

A)    This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221(e); 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103 and 3M .0505.

 

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 because the spiny dogfish commercial quota for harvest period II has been reached. This quota is established by the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) for federal waters.  The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan requires that state waters close when the federal quota is harvested.

 

D)    This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-48-2002, dated October 29, 2002.  Proclamation FF-30-2002, dated May 16, 2002, remains in effect.  This proclamation establishes commercial and recreational restrictions for all sharks in state waters and allows the removal of the head and tail of Atlantic sharpnose and smooth and spiny dogfish, but requires that the fins remain intact with the carcass to the point of landing. 

 

 

November 25, 2002

11:45 A.M.

FF-54-2002

/sab