FF-46-2003

PROCLAMATION

RE: STRIPED BASS RECREATIONAL SEASON - ALBEMARLE SOUND MANAGEMENT AREA

Preston P. Pate, Jr., Director, Division of Marine Fisheries, hereby announces that effective at 12:01 A.M., Monday, November 24, 2003 the season for striped bass taken for a recreational purpose in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will change with the following restrictions:







I. AREA DESCRIPTION:

The Albemarle Sound Management Area as defined in Marine Fisheries Rule 15A NCAC 3O .0503 (b) (2) (A) (ii).

II. SEASON, MEANS AND METHODS:

A. Striped bass may be taken for recreational purposes seven (7) days a week.

B. Holders of the Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) must adhere to the daily bag limits for striped bass during the striped bass recreational season.

Recreational Commercial Gear License gill nets with a mesh length of 5 ½ inches and larger are required to be equipped with floats that do not exceed 2 inches in diameter and 6 inches in length, with float placement no less than 10 yards apart. The nets must be set so as to fish on the bottom not to exceed a vertical fishing height of 48 inches. Attendance is required when used from one hour after sunrise through one hour before sunset.

C. The recreational season for striped bass in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will close at 6:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 31, 2003, unless closed earlier by a proclamation.

III. SIZE AND CREEL LIMITS:

A. No person may take or possess striped bass less than 18 inches total length taken for recreational purposes from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.

B. No person may take or possess more than two (2) striped bass taken in any one day for recreational purposes from the Albemarle Sound Management Area.