ASMFC to hold Public Hearings on Draft Black Drum FMP

States to Hold Hearings on Draft Black Drum FMP

Arlington, VA – New Jersey, Delaware and North Carolina have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on the Draft Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Black Drum Draft.  The dates, times, and locations of those meetings follow.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

April 10, 2013; 7 PM

Nacote Creek Research Station

360 Route 9 North (milepost 51)

Port Republic, New Jersey

Contact: Russ Allen at 609.748.2020

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

April 2, 2013; 7 – 9 PM

DNREC Building

89 Kings Highway

Dover, Delaware

Contact: John Clark at 302.739.9914

Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries Service

April 3, 2013; 6 PM

580 Taylor Avenue

Annapolis, Maryland

Contact: Harry Rickabaugh at 410.643.6785 ext. 2109

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

March 27, 2013; 6 PM

Central District Office

5285 U.S. Highway 70 West

Morehead City, North Carolina

Contact: Chris Stewart at 910.796.7370

The Draft FMP solicits comment on a range of issues, including management goals and objectives; recreational and commercial management measures; flexibility to react to new assessment information; de minimis levels and exemptions; monitoring requirements and recommendations; and recommended measures for implementation by NOAA Fisheries in federal waters. The FMP was initiated in response to concern regarding significant increases in harvest in recent years and the fact that the fishery primarily targets juveniles. Further, the lack of consistent coastwide regulations or management goals may negatively impact the black drum population as fishing pressures shifts from other stocks.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft FMP either by attending state public hearings or providing written comment. The Draft FMP is available at http://www.asmfc.org/speciesDocuments/southAtlanticSpecies/blackDrum/blackDrumDraftFMP_PublicComment.pdf. The public comment deadline is5:00 PM (EST) on April 26, 2013 and should be forwarded to Toni Kerns, ISFMP Director, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (FAX) ortkerns@asmfc.org (Subject line: Black Drum FMP). The FMP is scheduled for final approval during the Commission’s 2013 Spring Meeting.

Tina Berger

Public Affairs Specialist

Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission