MFC Meeting Recap and Blue Crab AC Meetings
Last week the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) met in Kitty Hawk for their quarterly meeting. There was a good turnout from the public as well as a lot of good public comments. Even though the meeting ran into the evening comment session, I think it was good for everyone there to experience the process firsthand. I hope we can continue having a lot of public turnout!
This was a very contentious meeting with almost every decision resulting in a 4-5 vote. I am certain we will be discussing these votes in more detail but for this week I just wanted to provide links to the full meeting and update everyone on the votes passed.
Meeting Links: MFC Meeting Day 1 MFC Meeting Day 2
Speckled Trout – final adoption of Spotted Seatrout FMP Amendment 1
Recreational Measures:
– 14”-20” slot with allowance for one fish over 26”
– 3-fish bag limit
Commercial Measures:
– Saturday-Sunday closure January through September
– Saturday-Monday closure October through December
Cold Stun Management:
– Extend the cold stun closure by 15 days (June 30th)
False Albacore – final MFC approval of rule
– Next step is for rule to go before the Rules Review Commission
Eastern Oyster – selected preferred management options for legislative review
– The MFC voted to close ~40,000 acres of bottom to mechanical harvest
Hard Clam – selected preferred management options for legislative review
– The MFC voted to phase out mechanical clam harvesting
Southern Flounder – voted to move forward draft Amendment 4
– The proposal to shift allocation one year early will be sent out for public comment and AC review
Thank you for staying engaged. This meeting was difficult to watch for those who care about the future of our fisheries. Anglers who want to harvest fish, commercial fishermen, and consumers continue to lose access while the State prioritizes special interest agendas over fair and sustainable management.
This fight is far from over. More updates are coming on these critical issues and much more. Stay tuned.
Blue Crab AC Meetings
There will be three Advisory Committee (AC) meetings this week to discuss the blue crab Adaptive Management plan that was put out a few weeks ago. In this plan the DMF proposed eight management options ranging from a 10.9% to 51.6% harvest reduction.
Final vote on these measures is still officially scheduled for the May 2025 MFC meeting so public attendance and public comments on this issue is necessary. All meetings begin at 6:00pm but DMF staff will open the doors at 5:00 to talk with the public.
PLEASE NOTE WASHINGTON MEETING LOCATION CHANGE
WASHINGTON DMF OFFICE IS RENOVATING
TUESDAY MEETING WILL BE HELD AT CIVIC CENTER
Northern Regional Advisory Committee
Tuesday, March 18 at 6:00pm
Washington Civic Center
110 Gladden Street
Washington, NC 27889
Southern Regional Advisory Committee
Wednesday, March 19 at 6:00pm
New Hanover Arboretum Education Center
6206 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
Shellfish/Crustacean Advisory Committee
Thursday, March 20 at 6:00pm
Dare County Administration Building
954 Marshall C. Collins Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Meeting Weblinks
Blue Crab Adaptive Management Webpage
Adaptive Management Decision Document
North Carolina Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan Amendment 3 Adaptive Management Options
As always if you have any questions, concerns, or comments please let us know.
Thomas Newman
Fisheries Liaison
