June 29, 2012 — MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will hold public meetings in July to receive comments on locations for three new inshore fishing reefs/oyster sanctuary sites
The division’s Oyster Sanctuary Program has received a Coastal Recreational Fishing License grant to construct three inshore fishing reefs/oyster sanctuaries in the Cedar Island, Cape Fear River and Manteo areas.
The goal is to increase angling opportunities in North Carolina by creating and protecting sub-tidal oyster reefs with easy access for the recreational angler.
The reefs will be made with different types of concrete structures. These materials will attract oyster larvae, as well as clams, juvenile fish, crabs and other marine organisms, which in turn, will attract larger fish, enhancing hook-and-line fishing.
The reefs will also serve as a brood stock for oysters. Harvest of oysters and the use of bottom disturbing gear are prohibited on the reefs. But the oysters that grow there will produce millions of eggs annually that will be carried by currents and tides to surrounding areas that are open to oyster harvest.
At each location, this project will construct a reef on 10 acres of soft bottom.