FF-67-2007

PROCLAMATION

RE: SPINY DOGFISH-COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS- ATLANTIC OCEAN–HARVEST PERIOD II

Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 6:00 A.M., Sunday, December 16, 2007 the following restrictions will apply to the harvest of spiny dogfish in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina.

I. HARVEST PERIODS

The fishing year for spiny dogfish is divided into two periods: Quota Period I and Quota Period II. Period I is from May 1 through October 31 each year, and Period II is from November 1 through April 30.

II. TRIP LIMITS

No commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of people involved, may possess more than 3,000 pounds per trip of spiny dogfish during this portion of Period II.

III. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0505 and 3M.0512.

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

C. The intent of this proclamation is to set out the harvest periods and trip limit during Period II to promote the utilization of bycatch of spiny dogfish from the Atlantic Ocean by commercial fishing operations. These restrictions are elements of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plans for Spiny Dogfish. Federal waters are closed to the harvest of spiny dogfish until May 1, 2008.

D. Finfish dealers are required to possess a valid Spiny Dogfish Dealer Permit and adhere to the daily reporting requirements in Proclamation FF-43-2007, dated May 31, 2007.

December 7, 2007
1:45 P.M.
FF-67-2007
/sab