Contact: Patricia Smith
(252) 726-7021
Date: May 24, 2010

Artificial Reef Placement in the New River

MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking public input on a proposed 30-acre coastal artificial reef in New River near Town Point.

River Works at Sturgeon City has proposed and been awarded funding to create an artificial reef in New River.  Working in conjunction with the division’s Artificial Reef Program, River Work proposes using material from the U.S. 17 Herbert G. “Buddy” Phillips Bridge replacement project to construct this reef.
 
The division wants to hear from fishermen and others regarding the types of activity that occur in this area. Crabbing and gill netting practices and recreational fishing and boating activities are of particular interest to the division.
 
River Works plans to build the reef with a two-year grant, totaling $563,000, funded by revenues from the Coastal Recreational Fishing License.

A review of the project will be presented and comments from the public are desired.

Anglers, commercial fishermen, boaters and others may comment on the proposed project at the public meeting at 6 p.m. June 10 at the Jacksonville City Hall, City Council Chambers, 815 New Bridge St., Jacksonville.

Written comments will be accepted through June 16 and may be sent by mail to: N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Program, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557 or by e-mail to [email protected].

For questions or comments prior to the meeting, contact division Artificial Reef Program Director Jim Francesconi at (252) 808-8063 or [email protected] or Resource Enhancement Section Chief Craig Hardy at (252) 808-8046 or [email protected]