FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 20, 2013

PRESS CONTACT, TINA BERGER, 703.842.0740

 States Schedule Hearings
On Draft Drum Fishery Management Plan

Arlington, VA – New Jersey, Delaware and North Carolina have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on the Draft Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Black Drum. 

The dates, times, and locations of those meetings follow.

Maryland will also be conducting a hearing, the details of which will be released as soon as they become available.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
April 10, 2013; 7 PM
Nacote Creek Research Station
360 Route 9 North (milepost 51)
Port Republic, New Jersey
Contact: Russ Allen at 609.748.2020

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
April 2, 2013; 7 - 9 PM
DNREC Building
89 Kings Highway
Dover, Delaware
Contact: John Clark at 302.739.9914

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
March 27, 2013; 6 PM
Central District Office
5285 U.S. Highway 70 West
Morehead City, North Carolina
Contact: Chris Stewart at 910.796.7370

The Draft FMP solicits comment on a range of issues, including management goals and objectives; recreational and commercial management measures; flexibility to react to new assessment information; de minimis levels and exemptions; monitoring requirements and recommendations; and recommended measures for implementation by NOAA Fisheries in federal waters. The FMP was initiated in response to concern regarding significant increases in harvest in recent years and the fact that the fishery primarily targets juveniles. Further, the lack of consistent coastwide regulations or management goals may negatively impact the black drum population as fishing pressures shifts from other stocks.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft FMP either by attending state public hearings or providing written comment. The Draft FMP is available here.

The public comment deadline is 5:00 PM (EST) on April 26, 2013 and should be forwarded to Toni Kerns, ISFMP Director, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (FAX) or tkerns@asmfc.org (Subject line: Black Drum FMP).

The FMP is scheduled for final approval during the Commission’s 2013 Spring Meeting.          

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Tina Berger
Public Affairs Specialist
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
1050 N. Highland Street, Suite 200A-N
Arlington, VA 22201
703.842.0740
tberger@asmfc.org
www.asmfc.org