(Revises March 20 press release with the addition of public hearing information for Maryland and Virginia.)
Arlington, VA – The states of New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina have scheduled their hearings to gather public comment on the Draft Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Black Drum Draft. The dates, times, and locations of those meetings are attached.
The Draft FMP solicits comment on a range of issues, including management goals and objectives; recreational and commercial management measures; flexibility to react to new assessment information; de minimis levels and exemptions; monitoring requirements and recommendations; and recommended measures for implementation by NOAA Fisheries in federal waters. The FMP was initiated in response to concern regarding significant increases in harvest in recent years and the fact that the fishery primarily targets juveniles. Further, the lack of consistent coastwide regulations or management goals may negatively impact the black drum population as fishing pressures shifts from other stocks.
Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the Draft FMP either by attending state public hearings or providing written comment. The Draft FMP is available on the Commission website (www.asmfc.org) under Breaking News or by contacting the Commission at 703.842.0740. The public comment deadline is 5:00 PM (EST) on April 26, 2013 and should be forwarded to Toni Kerns, ISFMP Director, 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (FAX) or tkerns@asmfc.org (Subject line: Black Drum FMP). The FMP is scheduled for final approval during the Commission’s 2013 Spring Meeting.