FF-53-2003





PROCLAMATION

RE: AMERICAN SHAD-ATLANTIC OCEAN

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 6:00 A.M., Thursday, January 1, 2004, the following restrictions will apply to the taking of American shad in the Atlantic Ocean:

SEASON
The harvest of American shad by commercial fishing operations will open.

HARVEST AREAS
There are two geographic zones in the Atlantic Ocean and each zone has a separate harvest allocation. One zone is from Ocracoke Inlet north to the North Carolina -Virginia state line. The other zone is from Ocracoke Inlet south to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line.
ENERAL INFORMATION

A. This proclamation is issued under the authority of G.S. 113-182; 113-221(e); 143B-289.52; and N.C. Marine Fisheries Rules 15A NCAC 3H .0103 and 3M .0514.

B. It is unlawful to violate the provisions of any proclamation issued by the Fisheries Director under his delegated authority per 15A NCAC 3H .0103.

C. The variable condition necessitating this action is compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Management Plan for Shad and River Herring. The North Carolina commercial quota for American shad is 49,346 pounds. This is equally split between the northern and southern regions of the state, with each region receiving 24,673 pounds. When the available poundage in each region has been harvested, the region will be closed by proclamation.

D. Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503 requires a permit for fish dealers who possess, buy, sell, or offer for sale American shad taken from the Atlantic Ocean.

E. This proclamation expires at 12:01 A.M., April 15, 2004 and the season closes if the total allowable catch is not exceeded.