Menhaden, Shark Public Input needed for ASMFC Public Hearing

For Immediate Release – The state Department of Energy and Environmental Marine Fisheries Division will host a public hearing to get input on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s draft management plan for coastal sharks and for menhaden.

The hearing will take place at 7 p.m. June 28 at DEEP Marine Headquarters, 333 Ferry Road Arlington.

The purpose of the plan for coastal sharks is to maintain consistency between federal and state fishery management plans, where possible, and to better incorporate the intent of the smooth dogfish limited exception in the Shark Conservation Act of 2010 into state regulations.

Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input on the plan at the hearing or by providing written comment. The plan can obtained at www.asmfc.org, under “Public Input.” Public comment will be accepted until July 11 and should be forwarded to Ashton Harp, FMP Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St, Suite A‐N, Arlington, VA 22201; or at aharp@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Addendum IV).

The draft plan for menhaden proposes modifying the current bycatch allowance provision. Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to provide input at the hearings or in written comment. The plan also can be obtained at www.asmfc.org, under “Public Input.” Public comment will be accepted until July 11 and should be forwarded to Megan Ware, FMP Coordinator, 1050 N. Highland St, Suite A‐N, Arlington, VA 22201; or at mware@asmfc.org (Subject line: Draft Addendum I).

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Wayne Creed

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