Source: NCDENR, 2/18/21 The N.C. Marine Fisheries
Commission is reopening the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee appointment
process to ensure adequate representation from all user groups. The commission seeks a cross-section of applicants representing
the various commercial and recreational shrimp fisheries, scientists with
expertise in the areas of habitat or bycatch and gear innovation, especially
with trawls and bycatch reduction devices, as well as individuals interested in
shrimp fishing issues. Certain fisheries stakeholder groups were found to be
underrepresented in the original applicant pool, specifically those who fish
with large trawlers and those who fish in the Pamlico Sound. The Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee will join
the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries in workshops over several days in March
2021 to develop Amendment 2 to the plan. Advisers will review scientific documents and issue papers and
provide 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. 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. Individuals interested in serving as an adviser should be
available to attend and actively participate in the workshops scheduled for:
DATE
|
TIME
|
March
2
|
6
p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
|
March
4
|
3
p.m. to 6 p.m.
|
March
9
|
3
p.m. to 6 p.m.
|
March
10
|
3
p.m. to 7 p.m.
|
March
11
|
3
p.m. to 7 p.m.
|
March
15
|
5
p.m. to 8 p.m.
|
To help reduce the spread of
COVID-19, the workshops will be held via web conference. Therefore, individuals
interested in serving are strongly encouraged to have access to a computer,
tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection.
The Shrimp Fishery Management
Plan Advisory Committee workshop documents are currently available on the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee Workshops Page. More information is available
on the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Amendment Information Page.
Advisers who submit required travel expense documentation complete
the necessary paperwork will be reimbursed for expenses incurred in relation to
their official duties. To be qualified to serve on the committee, applicants may not have
had a significant fisheries violation within the past three years. Upon confirmation of their continued willingness to serve, all
previously appointed advisers will be considered for reappointment during this
process. Adviser applications are available online here or at Division of Marine Fisheries’ offices or by calling 252-808-8022 or 800-682-2632. Applications must be received by noon on Feb. 25, 2021. Applications may be submitted 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.
|