M-12-2013
PROCLAMATION
RE: LARGE MESH GILL NETS: INTERNAL COASTAL WATERS
Dr. Louis B. Daniel III Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at one hour after sunrise on Monday, April 15, 2013, the following provisions shall apply to the use of large mesh gill nets:
I. SUSPENSION OF PORTION OF MARINE FISHERIES RULE 15A NCAC 03J .0103
The following portion of Marine Fisheries Rules for Coastal Waters 15A NCAC 03J .0103 is suspended:
Section (i) (1), which reads:
(i) For gill nets with a mesh length five inches or greater, it is unlawful:
(1) To use more than 3,000 yards of gill net per vessel in internal waters regardless of the number of individuals involved.
The provisions below in this proclamation shall be complied with at all times.
II. AREAS AND EXEMPTIONS
A. This proclamation applies to all internal coastal waters south of the Albemarle Sound Management Area except the Neuse, Bay and Pamlico rivers described as follows: 1. In Pamlico, Bay and Neuse rivers, the restrictions do not apply west of a line in the vicinity of the mouths of those waterbodies described below: a. Pamlico River – a line beginning at a point at 35º 24.5920’N - 76º 32.3810’W near Currituck Point; running southwesterly to a point at 35º 19.6960’N - 76º 36.5360’W near Fulford Point.
b. Bay River – a line beginning at a point 35º 11.0760’N - 76º 31.6200’W near Bay Point; running southerly to a point at 35º 08.9290’N - 76º 32.2680’W near Maw Point.
c. Neuse River – a line beginning at a point 35º 08.9290’N - 76º 32.2680’W near Maw Point; running southerly to a point at 34° 59.29400’N – 76°59.2940’N – 76° 34.8230’W on the east shore of the mouth of South River.
2. In river areas listed in II. A. 1. above: a. It is unlawful to use or possess more than 2,000 yards of large mesh gill net per vessel.
b. It is unlawful to fail to be present at the nets at least once during a 24 hour period no later than noon each day.