CCA reports that the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission met in New Bern where they voted to begin the rulemaking process for a five-fish…
CCA reports that the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission met in New Bern where they voted to begin the rulemaking process for a five-fish recreational bag limit for Atlantic Bonito.
The measure enjoyed widespread support from recreational anglers and the for-hire guide community. The Commission responded with a 5-2-2 vote in favor of the motion to move the process forward. At-large commissioner Sarah Gardner, a for-hire guide, voted with Commissioner John Mallette, a commercial fisher/dealer, as the only two commissioners opposing the effort. All three recreational commissioners, Will Service, A. Hobgood, and Tom Roller were joined by at-large commissioner Wille Closs and science commissioner Doug Rader in support of sending the Notice of Text forward. The other two commercial fishing commissioners (Sammy Corbett and Mike Blanton) abstained, which means they could still support or oppose the regulations in the future. The process for final rulemaking on Atlantic Bonito still has some steps to overcome before any new rules are implemented.
The MFC approved notice of text and the associated fiscal analysis for the proposed rule, which would also authorize the Director of the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to implement additional management measures by proclamation with prior consent of the MFC.
The proposed rule will be posted in the N.C. Register in August, followed by a 60-day public comment period, including a public hearing that will be announced at a later time. If the rule is approved, the earliest effective date would be in 2027.
