This proclamation establishes the season, size and creel limits for the recreational black sea bass fishery north of Cape Hatteras.
Stephen W. Murphey, Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, February 1, 2018, the following restrictions will apply to the recreational black sea bass fishery north of Cape Hatteras (35° 15.3’N Latitude):
I. SEASON
The recreational fishing season for black sea bass in all coastal fishing waters north of Cape Hatteras (35° 15.3’N Latitude) is open in one harvest period beginning at 12:01 A.M., Thursday, February 1, 2018 through midnight on Wednesday, February 28, 2018.
II. SIZE AND CREEL LIMITS
A. It is unlawful to possess black sea bass for recreational purposes less than 12 ½ inches in total length, excluding the caudal fin filament.
B. It is unlawful to possess more than 15 black sea bass per person per day taken for recreational purposes.
C. It is unlawful to possess black sea bass for recreational purposes in coastal fishing waters north of Cape Hatteras except during the season specified in I. above.
III. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of N.C.G.S. 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rules 15A NCAC 03H .0103 and 03M.0512.
B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Director under his delegated authority pursuant to N.C. Fisheries Commission Rule 15A NCAC 03H .0103.
C. The intent of this proclamation is to allow North Carolina to comply with the requirements of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council/Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Fisheries Management Plan.
D. In accordance with N.C. General Statute 113-221.1(c) all persons who may be affected by proclamations issued by the Fisheries Director are under a duty to keep themselves informed of current proclamations.
E. Contact the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557, phone 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 for more information or visit the division website at www.ncmarinefisheries.net.
F. This proclamation establishes the season, size and creel limits for the recreational black sea bass fishery north of Cape Hatteras.