November 4, 2015 — The following was released by the North Carolina Fisheries Association:
DMF staff observed nine sea turtle interactions in large mesh gill nets in Management Unit B this morning. A proclamation closing large mesh gill nets in this management unit will be issued later today, effective at one hour after sunrise tomorrow. The estimated takes are getting close to the allowed takes for Management Unit B, so we’re not sure if we’ll be able to reopen later in the fishing year (Sept. 1, 2015-Aug. 31, 2016). This is the most sea turtle interactions the division has observed in November since the settlement agreement management measures were implemented in 2010.