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At its meeting Feb. 20, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission took the following actions, as detailed in media release from the Division of Marine Fisheries:

– Endorsed a plan for the Division of Marine Fisheries to conduct a thorough review of regulations governing the use of small mesh gill nets;

– Approved the goal and objectives for amendments for two fishery management plans: Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 3, and Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Amendment 2;

– Approved proposed language to prepare for rulemaking pertaining to reclassifying special secondary nursery areas that have not been opened to trawling since 1991 to permanent secondary nursery areas and addressing user conflicts for shellfish leases as required by state law; and

– Approved amendments to two rules: amended 15A NCAC 03M .0509 to prohibit possession of tarpon and make it illegal to gaff, spear, or puncture tarpon by any method other than hook and line; and amended 15A NCAC 03O .0108 to clarify the circumstances under which transfers of Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses are allowed.

The effective date of the rules is subject to legislative review.

A new member of the Marine Fisheries Commission was sworn in on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Tom Roller, from Beaufort, was appointed to the commission Feb. 17 by Gov. Roy Cooper. His term expires June 30, 2020, as he is filling unexpired term of Cameron Boltes for the recreation industry fishery seat.

Roller has served on several North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission advisory boards, including the Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee and the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee.

READ MORE IN OUR ON THE WATER SECTION HERE.

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