They listened........and for now closed commercial trawling:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Odom, Kelly <kelly.odom@ncdenr.gov>
Date: Tue, Feb 8, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Subject: Striped Bass fishery in NC
Dear Captains,
I am writing in response to your e-mail regarding your concerns about North Carolina’s striped bass fishery.
The ocean striped bass commercial trawl fishery is currently closed in North Carolina and will not reopen until after the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission meets this week. The commission is slated to review the striped bass incidents that occurred, the state’s response to them and what direction to take in management of this fishery.
The commission meets Feb. 10-11 at the Clam Digger Inn, 511 Salter Path Road, Pine Knoll Shores. The meeting is open to the public, and I encourage you to attend. Public comment periods are set for 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 and 8:15 a.m. Friday, Feb. 11.
The commission will be informed of the numerous e-mails and phone calls the Division of Marine Fisheries has received regarding this issue.
I also anticipate putting out a news release following the meeting, most likely early next week. You may look for it on the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries website at
http://www.ncfisheries.net/ under the News & Information link.
Sincerely,
Patricia Smith
