FF-6-2019

PROCLAMATION

RE: ESTUARINE STRIPED BASS- RECREATIONAL SEASON CLOSURE- CENTRAL SOUTHERN MANAGEMENT AREA INTERNAL COASTAL FISHING WATERS- INCLUDING CLOSURE OF JOINT WATERS

This proclamation supersedes proclamation FF-4-2019 (REVISED), dated March 15, 2019. This proclamation prohibits the possession of striped bass (including hybrids) in the Internal Coastal Fishing Waters (including Joint Waters) of the Central Southern Management Area. This action complies with Supplement A to Amendment 1 to the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.

Stephen W. Murphey, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Friday, March 29, 2019 the recreational season for striped bass WILL CLOSE in the Central Southern Management Area (CSMA) as described:

I. RESTRICTIONS

A. It is unlawful to possess striped bass in the Internal Coastal Fishing Waters of the Central Southern Management Area (as described in N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03R .0201(c)). See Section II. (F). for regulations in Joint and Coastal Fishing Waters of the Cape Fear River and tributaries.

B. It is unlawful to fail to return all striped bass to the water in a manner that ensures the highest likelihood of survival.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rules 15A NCAC 03H .0103, 03M .0202, and 03M .0512.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Fisheries Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03H .0103.

C. In accordance with N.C. General Statute 113-221.1(c) All persons who may be affected by proclamations issued by the Fisheries Director are under a duty to keep themselves informed of current proclamations.

D. N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0201 defines striped bass as striped bass and its hybrids.

E. The intent of this proclamation is to prohibit possession of striped bass in the Internal Coastal Fishing Waters of the Central Southern Management Area, excluding the Joint and Coastal fishing waters of the Cape Fear River and tributaries (including Snow’s Cut) in accordance with Supplement A to Amendment 1 to the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. The supplement was adopted by the Marine Fisheries Commission on February 22, 2019 to protect important year classes of striped bass while Amendment 2 to the N. C. Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan is being developed. Concurrence for this action in Internal Joint Waters was approved on March 21, 2019, by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

F. N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rules 15A NCAC 03M .0202 and 15A NCAC 03Q .0107 state that it is unlawful to possess striped bass from the Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters of the Cape Fear River and its tributaries, including Snow’s Cut.

G. Effective at 12:01 A.M., Friday, March 29, 2019, via proclamation issued by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Executive Director, the season for harvesting striped bass by hook and line in all Inland and Joint Fishing Waters of the Central Southern Management Area (excluding the Inland and Joint Fishing Waters of the Cape Fear River and tributaries) shall be suspended, thereby closing the season. Contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (1-888-248-6834) for information on the closure of the striped bass season in Inland Waters.

H. N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Rule 15A NCAC 10C .0314 states that in the Inland Fishing Waters of the Cape Fear River and its tributaries downstream of Buckhorn Dam, the season for taking and possessing striped bass is closed year-round.

I. Contact the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557 or 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 for more information or visit the division website at http://ncmarinefisheries.net.

J. This proclamation supersedes proclamation FF-4-2019 (REVISED), dated March 15, 2019. This proclamation prohibits the possession of striped bass (including hybrids) in the Internal Coastal Fishing Waters (including Joint Waters) of the Central Southern Management Area. This action complies with Supplement A to Amendment 1 to the N.C. Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan. These measures are being taken to protect important year classes of striped bass until Amendment 2 to the plan is adopted.

Stephen W. Murphey, Director
DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES, DEQ

March 26, 2019
3:56 P.M.
FF-6-2019