Source: NCDENR, 11/18/20
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is
looking for commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, representatives
of non-government organizations, and other interested parties to sit on a Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Advisory
Committee. The committee will join the division in a workshop over several
days in Spring 2021 to develop Amendment 2 to the N.C. Shrimp Fishery
Management Plan. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the workshop will be
held via webinar. Amendment 2 will examine management strategies to further reduce
bycatch of non-target species in the shrimp trawl fishery, habitat protections,
as well as potential changes to existing shrimp management. Topics under review
include effort controls (e.g., fishing day restrictions, headrope limits, etc.)
and shrimp trawl area restrictions for both habitat protections and potential
reductions in bycatch. The division is looking for a cross-section of those representing
the various commercial and recreational shrimp fisheries, including those who
fish with large trawlers, small trawlers, skimmer trawlers, channel nets,
shrimp pots, and cast nets. The division would also like to seat scientists
with expertise in the areas of habitat or bycatch and gear innovation,
especially with trawls and bycatch reduction devices, as well as other
individuals interested in shrimp fishing issues. To be qualified to serve on the committee, applicants may not have
had a significant fisheries violation within the past three years.
Since all meetings will held online via webinar, individuals interested in
serving are strongly encouraged to have access to a computer, tablet, or
smartphone with an internet connection.
Individuals interested in serving as an adviser should be available to attend
and actively participate in the workshop tentatively scheduled for March 2021.
This will include reviewing scientific documents and issue papers and providing
input to the division on refining management options in draft Amendment 2.
Workshop-style meetings allow scientists, managers, and stakeholders on the
committee to address questions, comments, and concerns more effectively and in
a less formal setting. Advisers who complete the necessary paperwork will be reimbursed
for expenses incurred in relation to their official duties. Adviser applications are available online here or at Division of Marine Fisheries’ offices or by calling 252-808-8022 or 800-682-2632. Applications should be returned by Jan. 5, 2021 by email to Dana.Gillikin@ncdenr.gov or by mail to: N.C. Division of Marine
Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557, Attention: Dana Gillikin.
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