November 17, 2015 — A controversial issue over the future of southern flounder regulations is back on the agenda for this week’s meeting of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission.
After postponing action in August, the commission is scheduled to approve management measures for Supplement A to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 1. The meeting is set for Nov. 18-20 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, with a public comment period Wednesday night and the business meeting on Thursday and Friday.
On the table for consideration are six options to reduce the catch of southern flounder up to 60 percent, with the proposals having a range of impacts, such as season closures and size limits, to restrictions on different types of gear.
Commercial fishermen could see the biggest hit if a possible ban of anchored large-mesh gill nets in internal waters is approved.
While there has been significant debate over the options, there has been equal division over the process.
Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, which has a membership primarily of recreational fishermen, has favored the supplement process to make the management changes as soon as possible.