The state Division of Marine Fisheries will accept public comments throughout April on a proposal to allow recreational fishers more access to the southern flounder fishery.
The 30-day comment period kicks off Tuesday on the division’s draft Southern flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 4, which would expedite an allocation shift to 50% commercial and 50% recreational this year.
Supporter Spotlight
The draft amendment would allow for more recreational access to the fishery and simultaneously maintain the rebuilding requirements of Amendment 3 of the plan, officials said. That plan, adopted in 2022, calls for a 50/50 balance to go into effect in 2026.
But after two years where the recreational flounder seasons were shortened and one year where there was no recreational flounder season, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission charged the division with finding ways to allow recreational fishers more access while maintaining stock rebuilding requirements in Amendment 3.
Advisory committees to the commission have scheduled meetings in April to accept in-person comments.
The Southern Regional Advisory Committee is set to meet April 8 at the division’s Central District Office, 5285 Highway 70 West, Morehead City.
The Northern Regional Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet April 10 at the College of the Albemarle, Dare Campus – Room 110, 205 U.S. 64, Manteo.
Supporter Spotlight
The Finfish Advisory Committee will meet April 16 also at the division’s Morehead City office.
All meetings begin at 6 p.m.
Written comments will be accepted via an online form and by mail to Southern Flounder FMP Amendment 4 Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.
Comments will be accepted through April 30.
