The commission that makes fisheries management decisions for the state is scheduled to hear an update on the southern flounder stock assessment and 2023 southern flounder landings when it meets later this month in Raleigh.
The Marine Fisheries Commission‘s quarterly business meeting at Hilton Raleigh North Hills is to begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 21, resume at 9 a.m. Aug. 22, and again at 9 a.m. Aug. 23. The public comment sessions are at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 and 9 a.m. Aug. 22.
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The public can attend the meeting in person or view the livestream on YouTube. Staff said a recording will be posted on the commission’s website after the meeting.
In addition to the presentations on southern flounder, members are to hear about and possibly vote on the draft Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1 for to go before public and advisory committee review.
The commission is scheduled to vote on notices of text to begin the rulemaking process to amend or adopt proposed rules to simplify pot marking requirement, on false albacore management, and for the interstate wildlife violator compact.
Members are to hear from staff on the division’s annual fishery management plan review, carcass collection program, saltwater fishing tournament, saltwater state record fish, and multispecies tagging program. An overview of submerged aquatic vegetation and its management in North Carolina are also on the agenda.
The full agenda and briefing book are on the Marine Fisheries Commission webpage.
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Those attending the meeting in Raleigh who wish to speak can sign up at the hotel before the comment period begins. Speakers will be limited to 3 minutes and are asked to speak at one of the two periods, not both. If submitting handouts, bring at least 12 copies.
Written comments can be submitted through an online form, mailed to: August 2024 Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557, or dropped off at the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Morehead City Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell St. in Morehead City.
The deadline to submit written comments for this meeting is 4 p.m. Aug. 19.
The nine-member commission is appointed by the governor. The Division of Marine Fisheries carries out the commission’s rules, as well as manages, enforces, researches, monitors and administers licensing programs to provide information to inform rulemaking.
