The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will begin accepting public comment on Monday for a proposed Atlantic bonito recreational bag limit.
The proposed rule would establish a bag limit of five fish and also authorize the Division of Marine Fisheries director to implement by proclamation additional management measures with the commission’s prior consent.
Supporter Spotlight
Written comments may be submitted through an online form or by mail to N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rules Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28577.
Written comments must be posted online or received by 5 p.m. Oct. 2.
Comments will also be accepted during a virtual public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 26.
Anyone who wishes to comment during the hearing must register to speak by noon on the hearing day. Registration opens Monday.
The division will set up a listening location at its central district office at 5285 Highway 70 West in Morehead City. Those who wish to speak from the listening location may sign up upon arrival.
Supporter Spotlight
The proposed rule will be presented to the Marine Fisheries Commission for final approval in November. If approved, the earliest the rule would become effective would be in 2027, pending legislative review.
Questions about the commission’s rulemaking process may be emailed to Catherine Blum, division rules coordinator, at Catherine.Blum@deq.nc.gov.
