STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –
      ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA
 
Dr. Louis B. Daniel, III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Saturday, December 1, 2007, the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA WILL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION
 
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a), excluding Inland fishing waters. 
 
II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:
 
      A. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
 
      B. It is unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, to possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish.  Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder.  The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

    C. It is unlawful for any operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder to be in possession of more than two daily harvest limits.  A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2007/2008 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
       
III. PERMITS

A. It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.  Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500 et seq.

B. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass.  Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –
      ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA
 
Dr. Louis B. Daniel, III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Saturday, December 1, 2007, the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA WILL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION
 
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a), excluding Inland fishing waters. 
 
II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:
 
      A. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
 
      B. It is unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, to possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish.  Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder.  The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

    C. It is unlawful for any operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder to be in possession of more than two daily harvest limits.  A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2007/2008 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
       
III. PERMITS

A. It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.  Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500 et seq.

B. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass.  Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –
      ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA
 
Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Monday, October 1, 2007, the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA WILL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION
 
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a). 
 
II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:
 
      A. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
 
      B. It is unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, to possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish.  Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder.  The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

    C. It is unlawful for any operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder to be in possession of more than two daily harvest limits.  A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2007/2008 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
       
III. PERMITS

A. It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.  Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500 et seq.

B. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass.  Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

IV. SALE TAGS:
 
      It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued Albemarle Sound Management Area striped bass tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover.  In case of the striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.




PROCLAMATION FF-57-2007
PAGE 2

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS:

  Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation may be sold only to and purchased by a dealer possessing a current STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE:
 
The striped bass season for commercial fishing equipment in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 8:00 P.M., Friday, November 30, 2007, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met.  Dealers will have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.
      
VII. 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 the N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0501 et seq. and 3Q .0107 (1)(c).
      
      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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.
 
C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
 
D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).
 
       E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.
 
       F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be            immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

 G. Dealers whose businesses are located in Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Bertie, Chowan, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Currituck, Camden, Hertford and other northern counties may obtain tags by contacting the Columbia Marine Patrol Office at 1-800-405-7774 or (252) 796-1322.  Allow 48 hours for delivery.

  H. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-33-2007, dated April 10, 2007.STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –
      ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA
 
Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Monday, October 1, 2007, the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA WILL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION
 
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a). 
 
II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:
 
      A. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
 
      B. It is unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, to possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish.  Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder.  The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

    C. It is unlawful for any operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder to be in possession of more than two daily harvest limits.  A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2007/2008 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
       
III. PERMITS

A. It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.  Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500 et seq.

B. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass.  Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

IV. SALE TAGS:
 
      It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued Albemarle Sound Management Area striped bass tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover.  In case of the striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.




PROCLAMATION FF-57-2007
PAGE 2

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS:

  Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation may be sold only to and purchased by a dealer possessing a current STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE:
 
The striped bass season for commercial fishing equipment in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 8:00 P.M., Friday, November 30, 2007, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met.  Dealers will have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.
      
VII. 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 the N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0501 et seq. and 3Q .0107 (1)(c).
      
      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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.
 
C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
 
D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).
 
       E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.
 
       F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be            immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

 G. Dealers whose businesses are located in Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Bertie, Chowan, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Currituck, Camden, Hertford and other northern counties may obtain tags by contacting the Columbia Marine Patrol Office at 1-800-405-7774 or (252) 796-1322.  Allow 48 hours for delivery.

  H. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-33-2007, dated April 10, 2007.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Friday, March 2, 2007, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina SHALL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 100 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Friday, March 2, 2007 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Friday March 16, 2007.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2007 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.
B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. March 16, 2007 unless closed earlier by proclamation when the harvest quota is met.

VIII. 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 Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and 3O.0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2006/2007 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on March 16, 2007 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from all N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries offices.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –
      ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA
 
Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, March 1, 2007, the following provisions shall apply to the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION:
 
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a), excluding Inland fishing waters. 
 
II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:
 
      A. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
 
      B. It is unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, to possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish.  Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder.  The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

    C. It is unlawful for any operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder to be in possession of more than two daily harvest limits.  A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2006/2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
       
III. PERMITS:

A. It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.  Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500 et seq.

B. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass.  Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.









PROCLAMATION FF-21-2007
PAGE 2

IV. SALE TAGS:
 
      It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued Albemarle Sound Management Area striped bass tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover.  In case of the striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS:

  Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation may be sold only to and purchased by a dealer possessing a current STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE:
 
The striped bass season for commercial fishing equipment in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 8:00 P.M., Saturday, April 14, 2007, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met.  Dealers will have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.
      
VII. 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 the N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0501 et seq. and 3Q .0107 (1)(c).
      
      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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.
 
C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
 
D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).
 
       E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.
 
       F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be
            immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area and sale tags are available at no cost from N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices in Elizabeth City, Wanchese, Columbia, Washington, Wilmington and Morehead City.  The sale tags will no longer be delivered by Marine Patrol.
 
H. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-72-2006, dated December 20, 2006.
STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –
      ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA
 
Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, March 1, 2007, the following provisions shall apply to the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION:
 
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a), excluding Inland fishing waters. 
 
II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:
 
      A. It is unlawful to take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
 
      B. It is unlawful for an individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, to possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish.  Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder.  The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

    C. It is unlawful for any operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder to be in possession of more than two daily harvest limits.  A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2006/2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.
       
III. PERMITS:

A. It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.  Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500 et seq.

B. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass.  Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.









PROCLAMATION FF-21-2007
PAGE 2

IV. SALE TAGS:
 
      It is unlawful for a dealer to possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued Albemarle Sound Management Area striped bass tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover.  In case of the striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS:

  Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation may be sold only to and purchased by a dealer possessing a current STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE:
 
The striped bass season for commercial fishing equipment in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 8:00 P.M., Saturday, April 14, 2007, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met.  Dealers will have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.
      
VII. 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 the N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0501 et seq. and 3Q .0107 (1)(c).
      
      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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.
 
C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
 
D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).
 
       E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.
 
       F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be
            immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area and sale tags are available at no cost from N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices in Elizabeth City, Wanchese, Columbia, Washington, Wilmington and Morehead City.  The sale tags will no longer be delivered by Marine Patrol.
 
H. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-72-2006, dated December 20, 2006.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Dr. Louis B. Daniel III, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, February 15, 2007, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina SHALL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Thursday, February 15, 2007 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, March 1, 2007.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2007 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.
B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. March 1, 2007 unless closed earlier by proclamation when the harvest quota is met.

VIII. 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 Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and 3O.0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2006/2007 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on March 1, 2007 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from all N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries offices.

STRIPED BASS SEASON –GILL NETS : ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Tuesday, January 23, 2007 the season for the harvest of striped bass with gill nets in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions shall apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean gill nets from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No individual may land or sell more than 10 striped bass per person per day except that an ocean gill net operation consisting of more than one Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder may land or sell no more than two daily harvest limits (20 fish). A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit (10 fish) until the time of sale to a dealer who possesses a valid 2006/2007 Striped Bass Dealer Permit validated for the Atlantic Ocean.

B. Harvest will be allowed on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, Wednesday, January 24, 2007 and Thursday, January 25, 2007.

C. For the purpose of this proclamation, a gill net is defined as a net deployed from and retrieved into a vessel and set vertically in the water to capture fish by entanglement by the gills in its mesh as a result of net design, construction, mesh size, webbing diameter or method in which it is used.

III. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may be sold only to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006/2007 Striped Bass Dealer Permit validated for the Atlantic Ocean.

IV. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006/2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in 15A NCAC 3O .0501.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

V. SALE TAGS

No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover. In the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

The Atlantic Ocean gill net season for striped bass WILL CLOSE by proclamation when the harvest from this fishery reaches 240,000 pounds or at 8:00 P.M. on January 25, 2007, whichever occurs first. If the quota is exceeded prior to January 25, 2007, a proclamation closing harvest will be issued.

VII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201; 3M.0204; and 3O .0501.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the 480,480 pound quota established for the 2006/2007 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass.

D. The NMFS Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan prohibits the use of gill nets, greater than or equal to 7 inch stretched mesh, at night from December 16 through April 14, unless tie downs are used from the NC/VA border (36° 33’ N) to Cape Lookout (34° 35.4’N). Tie downs shall be spaced not more than 15 feet apart along the float line, not more than 48 inches in length from the point where it connects to the float line to the point where it connects to the lead line. Night is any time one hour after sunset and one hour prior to sunrise.

E. From Cape Lookout (34° 35.4’N) to the NC/SC border (33° 52’N) gill nets greater than or equal to 7 inch stretched mesh are prohibited at night from December 16 through April 14, and must be removed from the water.

F. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

G. Permits may be obtained from all North Carolina Marine Fisheries License Offices.

H. All striped bass taken during season closures and all undersized striped bass shall be immediately returned to the waters where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

I. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).

J. Holders of Recreational Commercial License or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag and restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

K. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Atlantic Ocean Management Area and sale tags are available at no cost from N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices in Elizabeth City, Wanchese, Columbia, Washington, Wilmington and Morehead City. The sale tags will no longer be delivered by Marine Patrol.

L. This proclamation supersedes FF-74-2006, dated December 21, 2006.

STRIPED BASS SEASON –GILL NETS : ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, January 3, 2007 the season for the harvest of striped bass with gill nets in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions shall apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean gill nets from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No individual may land or sell more than 10 striped bass per person per day except that an ocean gill net operation consisting of more than one Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder may land or sell no more than two daily harvest limits (20 fish). A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit (10 fish) until the time of sale to a dealer who possesses a valid 2006/2007 Striped Bass Dealer Permit validated for the Atlantic Ocean.

B. Harvest will be allowed on Wednesday and Thursday, January 3 and 4, 2007.

C. For the purpose of this proclamation, a gill net is defined as a net deployed from and retrieved into a vessel and set vertically in the water to capture fish by entanglement by the gills in its mesh as a result of net design, construction, mesh size, webbing diameter or method in which it is used.

II. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may be sold only to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006/2007 Striped Bass Dealer Permit validated for the Atlantic Ocean.

IV. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006/2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in 15A NCAC 3O .0501.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

V. SALE TAGS

No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover. In the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE

The Atlantic Ocean gill net season for striped bass WILL CLOSE by proclamation when the harvest from this fishery reaches 160,000 pounds or at 8:00 P.M. on January 4, 2007, whichever occurs first. If the quota is exceeded prior to January 4, 2007, a proclamation closing harvest will be issued.

VII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201; 3M.0204; and 3O .0501.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the 480,480 pound quota established for the 2006/2007 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Permits may be obtained from all North Carolina Marine Fisheries License Offices.

F. All striped bass taken during season closures and all undersized striped bass shall be immediately returned to the waters where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).

H. Holders of Recreational Commercial License or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag and restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

I. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Atlantic Ocean Management Area and sale tags are available at no cost from N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices in Elizabeth City, Wanchese, Columbia, Washington, Wilmington and Morehead City. The sale tags will no longer be delivered by Marine Patrol.

J. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-61-2006, dated December 5, 2006.



FF-75-2006

PROCLAMATION

RE: SPINY DOGFISH – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS – ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M. Sunday., December 24, 2006, the following restrictions shall apply to the commercial spiny dogfish fishery:

PERMITS

A. Finfish dealers may not buy more than 100 pounds of spiny dogfish sharks per day per commercial fishing operation unless the dealer has a valid 2007 Spiny Dogfish Dealer Permit from the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries. Permits will be issued only to those licensed fish dealers holding a valid license as authorized in G.S. 113-169.3. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the 2007 Spiny Dogfish Dealer Permit.

B. Dealers possessing a 2007 Spiny Dogfish Dealer Permit shall report daily by noon through FAX transmittal (252-726-3903) to the Division of Marine Fisheries dogfish landings from the Atlantic Ocean for the previous day.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-134; 113- 170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52 and NC Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3M .0505, 3O .0501 and 3O. 0506.

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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3I .0113 specifies that it is unlawful for any licensee under Chapter 113, Subchapter IV of the General Statutes to refuse to allow the Fisheries Director or his agents to obtain biological data, harvest information, or other statistical data necessary or useful to the conservation and management of marine and estuarine resources from fish in the licensee’s possession.

D. The intent of this proclamation is to continue the requirement for a dealer permit and a reporting process for the taking of spiny dogfish sharks from the Atlantic Ocean. This is to assure that the quota established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is not exceeded.

E. Spiny Dogfish Dealer Permits are available at no cost from all Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices.

F. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-42-2003, dated November 10, 2003.



FF-76-2006

PROCLAMATION

RE: SPINY DOGFISH-COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS- ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 6:00 A.M., Monday, January 8, 2007 the following restrictions will apply to the harvest of spiny dogfish in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina.

I. HARVEST PERIODS

The fishing year for spiny dogfish is divided into two periods: Quota Period I and Quota Period II. Period I is from May 1 through October 1 each year, and Period II is from November 1 through April 30. Harvest will be allowed from January 8 through March 1, 2007, and will close on March 1 at 6:00 P.M. by this proclamation.

II. TRIP LIMITS

No commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of people involved, may possess more than 4,000 pounds per trip of spiny dogfish during this portion of Period II.

III. 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 Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0505 and 3M.0512.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to set out the harvest periods and trip limit during Period II to promote the utilization of bycatch of spiny dogfish from the Atlantic Ocean by commercial fishing operations. These restrictions are elements of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plans for Spiny Dogfish.

D. It is unlawful to use gill nets greater than seven (7) inches stretched mesh in the Atlantic Ocean from December 16, 2006 through April 14, 2007 except for seasons in the ocean set by proclamation for striped bass and monkfish in accordance with Proclamation M-17-2006, dated December 13, 2006.

E. In accordance with the National Marine Fisheries Service Bottlenose Dolphin Take Reduction Plan, medium mesh nets (greater than 5 inch to less than 7 inch stretched mesh) can be set during daylight hours only. No overnight sets are allowed.

F. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-51-2006 dated October 30, 2006. Finfish dealers are required to possess a valid Spiny Dogfish Dealer Permit and adhere to the daily reporting requirements in Proclamation FF-75-2006, dated December 21, 2006.

STRIPED BASS SEASON –GILL NETS : ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Tuesday, December 19, 2006 the season for the harvest of striped bass with gill nets in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean gill nets from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No individual may land or sell more than 10 striped bass per person per day except that an ocean gill net operation consisting of more than one Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder may land or sell no more than two daily harvest limits (20 fish). A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit (10 fish) until the time of sale to a dealer who possesses a valid 2006/2007 Striped Bass Dealer Permit validated for the Atlantic Ocean.

B. Harvest will be allowed on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 19 and 20, 2006.

C. For the purpose of this proclamation, a gill net is defined as a net deployed from and retrieved into a vessel and set vertically in the water to capture fish by entanglement by the gills in its mesh as a result of net design, construction, mesh size, webbing diameter or method in which it is used.

III. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may be sold only to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006/2007 Striped Bass Dealer Permit validated for the Atlantic Ocean.

IV. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006/2007 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in 15A NCAC 3O .0501.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

V. SALE TAGS

No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover. In the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE

The Atlantic Ocean gill net season for striped bass WILL CLOSE by proclamation when the harvest from this fishery reaches 160,000 pounds or at 8:00 P.M. on December 20, 2006, whichever occurs first. If the quota is exceeded prior to December 20, 2006, a proclamation closing harvest will be issued.

VII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201; 3M.0204; and 3O .0501.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the 480,480 pound quota established for the 2006/2007 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Permits may be obtained from all North Carolina Marine Fisheries License Offices.

F. All striped bass taken during season closures and all undersized striped bass shall be immediately returned to the waters where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).

H. Holders of Recreational Commercial License or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag and restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

I. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Atlantic Ocean Management Area and sale tags are available at no cost from N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices in Elizabeth City, Wanchese, Columbia, Washington, Wilmington and Morehead City. The sale tags will no longer be delivered by Marine Patrol.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 8:01 P.M., Friday, April 14, 2006, the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA WILL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a), excluding Inland fishing waters.

II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS
A. No person may take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

B. No individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than five (5) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish. Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 5 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder. The daily harvest limit of 5 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

C. Any commercial fishing operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder shall have no more than two daily harvest limits. A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2005/2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

III. PERMITS
A. No dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0500.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the areas opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

IV. SALE TAGS
No dealer may possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries issued Albemarle Sound Management Area striped bass tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover. In case of the striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS
Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation may be sold only to and purchased by a dealer possessing a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE
The striped bass season for commercial fishing equipment in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 8:00 P.M., Sunday April 30, 2006, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met. Dealers will have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.

VII. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-169.1; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and the N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0500 and 3Q .0107 (1)(c).

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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to extend the season for the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.

D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).

E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be
immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area are available at no cost from all N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices.

H. Dealers whose businesses are located in Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Bertie, Chowan, Pasquotank, Camden, Hertford and other northern counties may obtain tags by contacting the Columbia Marine Patrol Office at 1-800-405-7774 or (252) 796-1322. Allow 48 hours for delivery.

I. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-20-2006, dated March 13, 2006.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Saturday, April 1, 2006, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Saturday, April 1, 2006 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Saturday, April 15, 2006.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. April 15, 2006 unless closed earlier by proclamation when the harvest quota is met.

VIII. 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 Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and 3O.0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2005/2006 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on March 16, 2006 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from: N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Marine Patrol, Route 2, Box 43D, Columbia, North Carolina 27925, Telephone: 1-800-405-7774 or 252-796-1322.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Friday, March 17, 2006, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Friday, March 17, 2006 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Friday, March 31, 2006.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. March 31, 2006 unless closed earlier by proclamation when the harvest quota is met.

VIII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1;143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and 3O.0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2005/2006 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on March 16, 2006 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from: N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Marine Patrol, Route 2, Box 43D, Columbia, North Carolina 27925, Telephone: 1-800-405-7774 or 252-796-1322.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS – ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, March 15, 2006, the following provisions shall apply to the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION
Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a), excluding Inland fishing waters.

II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:

A. No person shall take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken by commercial fishing operations from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

B. No individual or commercial fishing operation regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, shall possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than ten (10) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish. Striped bass shall be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 10 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder. The daily harvest limit of 10 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

C. Any commercial fishing operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder shall have no more than two daily harvest limits. A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2005/2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

III. PERMITS

A. No dealer shall possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers shall abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0500.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the areas opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license shall obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

IV. SALE TAGS:

No dealer shall possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having a N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries issued Albemarle Sound Management Area striped bass tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover. In case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin shall be affixed.

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS:

Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation may be sold only to and purchased by a dealer possessing a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE:

The striped bass season for commercial fishing operations in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 14, 2006, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met. Dealers shall have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.

VII. GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-169.1; 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and the Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0502 and 3Q .0107 (1) (c).

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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow an increase on the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.

D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line in accordance with N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).

E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen shall follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area are available at no cost from all N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices.

H. Dealers whose businesses are located in Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Bertie, Chowan, Pasquotank, Camden, Hertford and other northern counties may obtain tags by contacting the Columbia Marine Patrol Office at 1-800-405-7774 or (252) 796-1322. Allow 48 hours for delivery.

I. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-53-2005, dated December 20, 2005.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, March 2, 2006, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Thursday, march 2, 2006 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Thursday, March 16, 2006.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. March 1, 2006 unless closed earlier by proclamation when the harvest quota is met.

VIII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1;143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and 3O.0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2005/2006 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on March 16, 2006 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from: N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Marine Patrol, Route 2, Box 43D, Columbia, North Carolina 27925, Telephone: 1-800-405-7774 or 252-796-1322.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, February 15, 2006, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Wednesday, February 15, 2006 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 1, 2006.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE at 6:00 P.M. March 1, 2006 unless closed earlier by proclamation when the harvest quota is met.

VIII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1;143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and 3O.0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2005/2006 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on March 1, 2006 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from: N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Marine Patrol, Route 2, Box 43D, Columbia, North Carolina 27925, Telephone: 1-800-405-7774 or 252-796-1322.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Wednesday, February 8, 2006, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Wednesday, February 8, 2006 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 14, 2006.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – OCEAN TRAWL: ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Tuesday, January 31, 2006, the season for the harvest of striped bass with ocean trawls in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina WILL OPEN. The following restrictions will apply:

I. SIZE LIMIT

No person may possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 28 inches total length taken with ocean trawls from the Atlantic Ocean.

II. HARVEST RESTRICTIONS

A. No ocean trawl operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may land or sell more than 50 striped bass during the harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M. Tuesday, January 31, 2006 and ending at 6:00 P.M., Monday, February 6, 2006.
B. Striped bass may not be transferred from the harvesting vessel to any other vessel during harvesting operations or be transported by any vessel other than the vessel in which they are harvested.

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.
B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2006 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in NC Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503.
B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

STRIPED BASS SEASON – COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS –ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Sunday, January 1, 2006, the harvest of striped bass with COMMERCIAL FISHING OPERATIONS IN THE ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA SHALL OPEN and the following provisions shall apply:

I. AREA DESCRIPTION

Albemarle Sound Management Area as described in N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3R .0201 (a) excluding Inland fishing waters.

II. SIZE AND HARVEST RESTRICTIONS:

A. No person in a commercial fishing operation may take, possess, transport, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

B. No individual or commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of persons or vessels involved, may possess, land, sell or offer for sale more than five (5) striped bass, unless taken in conjunction with other commercially important finfish. Striped bass will be limited to 50% by weight, of the combined daily harvest, not to exceed 5 fish per day, per Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder. The daily harvest limit of 5 striped bass shall not be exceeded, regardless of where taken from internal waters, unless the fish are taken in accordance with II. C. below.

C. Any commercial fishing operation consisting of more than one SCFL holder may only be in possession of no more than two daily harvest limits. A SCFL holder must accompany each single harvest limit until the time of sale to a dealer possessing a valid 2005/2006 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

III. PERMITS

A. No dealer shall possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without holding a valid STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers shall abide by all conditions which appear on the permit as well as the general provisions which appear in 15A NCAC 3O .0502.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area shall be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the areas opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

IV. SALE TAGS:

No dealer shall possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Albemarle Sound Management Area without having a striped bass tag for the Albemarle Sound Management Area issued by N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries affixed through the mouth and gill cover. In case of the striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin must be affixed.

V. LANDING RESTRICTIONS:

Striped bass taken from areas opened by this proclamation shall be sold only to, and purchased by a dealer possessing a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

VI. SEASON CLOSURE:

The striped bass season for commercial fishing equipment in the Albemarle Sound Management Area shall close at 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 14, 2006, unless closed by proclamation at an earlier date due to the harvest allocation being met. Dealers shall have until two weeks after the closing of the season to sell, offer for sale, transport, or have in possession unfrozen striped bass taken in this fishery.

VII. GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-169.1; 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-183; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and the N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M .0202, 3O .0502 and 3Q .0107 (1)(c).

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 Rule 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the harvest of striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area by commercial fishing equipment within the harvest quota established by the North Carolina Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.

D. Hook-and-line fishing equipment is not commercial fishing equipment in the striped bass fishery and it is illegal to sell or purchase striped bass taken by hook-and-line pursuant to N.C. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3M .0201 (b).

E. Holders of RCGL licenses or hook-and-line fishermen must follow the bag limit and harvest restrictions of the recreational fishery for striped bass.

F. All striped bass taken during the season closures and all undersize striped bass shall be
immediately returned to the water where taken, regardless of the condition of the fish.

G. STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMITS validated for the Albemarle Sound Management Area are available at no cost from all N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries License Offices.

H. Dealers whose businesses are located in Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Bertie, Chowan, Pasquotank, Camden, Hertford and other northern counties may obtain tags by contacting the Columbia Marine Patrol Office at 1-800-405-7774 or (252) 796-1322. Allow 48 hours for delivery.

I. This proclamation supersedes Proclamation FF-37-2005, dated October 25, 2005.

STRIPED BASS SEASON –BEACH SEINES : ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 8:00 P.M., Monday, December 12, 2005 the following restrictions shall apply to the harvest of striped bass with beach seines in the Atlantic Ocean waters of North Carolina.

I. SEASON CLOSURE

The Atlantic Ocean beach seine season for striped bass WILL CLOSE due to the harvest allocation being met.

II. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5;113-182; 113-183; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3M .0201 and 3M.0204.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Rule15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to close the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by beach seines because the 160,160 pound quota established for that segment for the 2005/2006 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass has been met.

D. This proclamation supersedes the closure date set forth in FF-42-2005, dated November 16, 2005. All other provisions of that proclamation remain in effect.

FF-13-2004

III. GEAR RESTRICTIONS

A. For purposes of this proclamation, a trawl is defined as a net made of multi-strand nylon consisting of wings, a body and a codend.

B. No gill nets may be possessed on board a vessel used in the taking or landing of striped bass.

IV. LANDING RESTRICTIONS

Striped bass harvested in this fishery may only be sold to and purchased by a currently licensed finfish dealer possessing a valid 2004 Atlantic Ocean Dealer’s Striped Bass Permit.

V. DEALER PERMITS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without first obtaining a 2004 STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean from the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Dealers must abide by all conditions of the STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT and the general permit conditions found in 15A NCAC 3O .0500.

B. Only a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean may be used for transactions involving striped bass taken from the area opened by this proclamation.

C. Striped bass lawfully sold to a permitted dealer may be resold to a non-permitted wholesale or retail market provided the initial permitted dealer records their dealer identification number on each bill of lading or receipts involved in the shipment of striped bass. Any individual or corporation who holds a current finfish dealer license must obtain a STRIPED BASS DEALER PERMIT validated for the Atlantic Ocean in order to sell any striped bass personally harvested.

VI. SALE TAGS

A. No finfish dealer may possess, buy, sell or offer for sale striped bass taken from the Atlantic Ocean without having affixed either a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries-issued Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tag affixed through the mouth and gill cover or, in the case of striped bass imported from other states, a similar tag that is issued for striped bass in the state of origin.

B. North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Atlantic Ocean striped bass sale tags may not be bought, sold, offered for sale or transferred.

VII. SEASON CLOSURE

The ocean trawl season for striped bass WILL CLOSE by a future proclamation when the harvest from the fishery reaches approximately 218,000 pounds.

VIII. GENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221 (e); 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103, 3J .0202 (4), 3M .0201, .0204 and .0503.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority per 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow the commercial harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean by traditional gears within the quota established for the 2003/2004 season by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Fishery Management Plan for Striped Bass. The landing prohibition at 6:00 P.M. on February 3, 2004 will allow the Division to review landings reports. Landings will be allowed by proclamation after that date if the 2004 quota has not been met.

D. The waters of the Atlantic Ocean, as applicable to this proclamation are defined as waters seaward of the COLREGS Demarcation Lines as indicated on National Ocean Service navigation charts for the areas to which this proclamation applies.

E. Atlantic Ocean Commercial Dealer’s Striped Bass Permits and tags are available at no cost from: N. C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Marine Patrol, Route 2, Box 43D, Columbia, North Carolina 27925, Telephone: 1-800-405-7774 or 252-796-1322.

January 29, 2004

9:00 A.M.

FF-13-2004

/sab