SH-28-2003

PROCLAMATION

RE: 2003 SHRIMPING AND CRAB TRAWLING

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that the following areas WILL OPEN to shrimping and crab trawling effective 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, October 8, 2003:

CARTERET COUNTY

Newport River - east of a line beginning at a point at Lawton Point 34° 45' 41" N - 76° 44' 05" W; running 343° 45' 49" TRUE to a point on the north shore 34° 46' 34" N - 76° 44' 24" W (Map 1).

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, 3L .0101, .0202, and 3R .0106.

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 will allow the harvest of pink and white shrimp prior to the onset of cooler winter temperatures and reduced availability of shrimp in the affected areas.

D. It is unlawful to use any bottom disturbing fishing gear on any shellfish lease or franchise unless it has been duly authorized by the Fisheries Director according to 15A NCAC 3O .0211. Also, according to 15A NCAC 3O .0204(f), the Division has no duty to protect any shellfish bottom lease, franchise, or water column lease not marked according to 15A NCAC 3O .0204(a).

E. Hatched areas on the attached maps indicate areas closed to shrimping and crab trawling.

F. This proclamation supersedes the portions of SH-4-2003, dated June 2, 2003 that pertain to the affected area.

October 6, 2003

11:45 A.M.

SH-28-2003