December 3, 2012 — The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is asking for volunteers to sit on a Shrimp Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee that was activated by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission's decision to re-visit shrimp management.
The committee will focus on the effects of by-catch in the shrimp trawling fishery — a hot topic since a DMF report last fall indicated that millions of juvenile fish are being killed in shrimp trawl nets.
NCDMF is looking for a cross-section of those representing the various commercial and recreational shrimp fisheries, including those who fish with large trawlers, small trawlers, skimmer trawlers, channel nets, shrimp pots and cast nets. The division would also like to seat scientists with expertise in the areas of bycatch and gear innovation, especially in trawls and bycatch reduction devices, as well as other individuals interested in shrimp fishing issues.
To be qualified to serve on a committee, applicants may not have had a significant fisheries violation in the past three years.
If you're interested in serving on the commitee, you will be asked to attend monthly meetings, review scientific documents and make recommendations on management strategies. Advisers will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in relation to their official duties.
Read the full story at the North Carolina Sportsman