THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, May 10, 1995 TAG: 9505100429
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
The National Marine Fisheries Service will accept public comments on proposed rules governing the Atlantic bluefin tuna fishery from now through June 7, officials said Tuesday.
National Marine Fisheries Service officials are proposing a modest increase in the bluefin tuna quota, which was 1,235 metric tons in 1994. The proposed increase would raise that quota to 1,311 metric tons in 1995.
The service also suggests a number of changes to operations of the general, angling and harpoon boat permit categories for tuna fishing.
The intent is to simplify regulations, reduce fishing mortality and lessen burdens of information collection for anglers.
General category changes include lengthening the bluefin tuna season by apportioning the annual catch into monthly quotas and setting mandatory days off for watermen.
In the harpoon boat category, the proposal would curtail further expansion of the fishing effort by limiting permits.
In the purse seine category, quotas would be maintained at the 1994 level.
The proposed regulations also would limit purse seine fishing for any Atlantic tuna to vessels permitted in the bluefin purse seine category, thereby reducing the other types of tuna which bluefin boats might take. For example, proposed regulations would establish a 350-metric-ton yellowfin tuna quota for vessels that have previously reported taking yellowfin tuna.
Public hearings will be held at:
Quality Inn Lake Wright Convention Center, 6280 Northampton Blvd., Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday, May 24, from 6 to 10 p.m.
North Carolina Aquarium, Airport Road, Manteo, on Tuesday, May 23, from 6 to 10 p.m.
For more information, call Chris Rogers, at (301) 713-2347, or Kevin Foster, at (508) 281-9260. by CNB