FF-55-2016
PROCLAMATION
RE: COBIA - COASTAL FISHING WATERS- CLOSURE OF COMMERCIAL HARVEST - TEMPORARY RULE SUSPENSION
This proclamation closes the commercial fishery due to the federal annual catch limit being met. See the following NOAA Fishery Bulletin for more information: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2016/083/index.html. This proclamation also maintains the recreational season closure for cobia and provides notification that the commercial and recreational season will re-open at 12:01 A.M. on January 1, 2017 in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0516.
Braxton C. Davis, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Tuesday, December 6, 2016 through 12:01 A.M. Sunday, January 1, 2017, the following restrictions will apply to the cobia fishery in Coastal Fishing Waters:
I. SUSPENSION OF N.C. MARINE FISHERIES COMMISSION RULE 15A NCAC 03M .0516
N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M. 0516 that reads as follows is suspended in its entirety:
A. It is unlawful to possess cobia less than 33 inches fork length.
B. It is unlawful to possess more than two (2) cobia per person per day.
II. RECREATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL HARVEST AND SEASON
A. It is unlawful to possess cobia.
B. The recreational and commercial season for cobia will re-open January 1, 2017, in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0516.
III. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of North Carolina G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52 and North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission Rules 15A NCAC 03H .0103, 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 North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03H .0103.
C. The intent of this proclamation is to manage the cobia fishery in Coastal Fishing Waters and maintain consistency with federal commercial management measures.
D. All cobia shall be immediately returned to the waters where taken regardless of the condition of the fish.
E. Contact the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 for more information or visit the division website at www.ncmarinefisheries.net.
F. In accordance with North Carolina 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.
G. This proclamation supersedes FF-28-2016, dated May 27, 2016. It closes the commercial fishery due to the federal annual catch limit being met. See the following NOAA Fishery Bulletin for more information: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2016/083/index.html. This proclamation also maintains the recreational season closure for cobia and provides notification that the commercial and recreational season will re-open at 12:01 A.M. on January 1, 2017 in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03M .0516.
Braxton C. Davis
DIVISION OF MARINE FISHERIES
December 2, 2016
2:00 P.M.
FF-55-2016
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