MFC extends deadline for comments on shrimp-trawling petition

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will continue to accept written comments on a petition for rulemaking filed by the N.C. Wildlife Federation until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.

Commission Chairman Sammy Corbett extended the comment period, originally scheduled to end Jan. 20, to accommodate those who were unable to speak last week during a public meeting on the petition in New Bern.

The public may submit written comments on the petition to NCWFPetition@ncdenr.gov or to NCWF Petition, Marine Fisheries Commission Office, N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, PO Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557

The petition asks the commission to designate all coastal fishing waters, including the ocean out to three miles, not otherwise designated as nursery areas as special secondary nursery areas; establish clear criteria for the opening of shrimp season; and define the type of gear and how and when gear may be used in special secondary nursery areas during shrimp season.

The commission will address the petition at a business meeting on Feb. 15-16 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, 301 N. Water St., Wilmington. A full meeting agenda will be released at a later date.

View a copy of the petition here. View a copy of an amendment to the petition here.