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 .0506 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. The intent of this proclamation is to maintain North Carolina’s compliance with the requirements of amendments to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. Effective October 1, 2008, the provisions found in this proclamation were eliminated from N.C. Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0506 to allow the Fisheries Director the latitude to comply with changes that occur in the requirements without suspending portions of the rule.

D. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has identified best practices for fisherman to reduce the release mortality of red snapper and other snapper/grouper species. A list of these practices can be found in the NOAA Fishery Bulletin: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/noaa-fisheries-announces-limited-opening-recreational-and-commercial-red-snapper. Anglers are encouraged to release fish in a manner that encourages the highest likelihood of survival.

E. Anglers are asked to report and log information about their recreational trips and catches through the MyFishCount electronic reporting mobile app (available for free download at the Google Play and App Store), or through the MyFishCount website www.myfishcount.com

F. Provisions for multiple day trip possessions for vessels without a valid Federal South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Permit are found in 50 CFR Part §622.187(c). This federal rule states in part that a person aboard a charter vessel or headboat on a trip that spans more than 24 hours may possess no more than two daily bag limits of species other than red porgy. A person aboard a headboat on a trip that spans more than 48 hours and who can document that fishing was conducted on at least three days may possess no more than three bag limits of species other than red porgy. Privately-operated vessels are allowed only one bag limit.

G. Effective January 27, 2014, federal rules are amended to allow captains and crew of for-hire vessels with valid Federal South Atlantic Charter/Headboat Snapper Grouper Permits to retain bag limit quantities of all snapper grouper species during the open recreational season.

H. Fish harvested under the recreational bag limits may not be sold as part of a state-licensed recreational fishing tournament (50 CFR Part §622.192).

I. Vessels fishing in or harvesting fish from the EEZ are required to carry the appropriate federal permit when operating as a for-hire vessel. See 50 CFR Part §622.170(b).

J. 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.

K. Contact the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557, phone 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 for more information, or visit the division website at http://www.ncmarinefisheries.net. For a quick guide to snapper grouper regulations, please see http://safmc.net/regulations/regulation-fact-sheetsother-resources/

L. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-35-2019 dated September 23, 2019. It closes the recreational harvest of the Deepwater Complex (yellowedge grouper, silk snapper, misty grouper, queen snapper, sand tilefish, and blackfin snapper) due to the 2019 recreational annual catch limit being met. The recreational fishery for the Deepwater Complex will re-open on January 1, 2020. Please see the following NOAA Fishery Bulletins for more information: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/recreational-closure-deepwater-complex-south-atlantic-federal-waters-december-11-2019

 

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

December 9, 2019
3:04 P.M.
FF-48-2019