Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Alabama Marine Resources Division to Hold Public Meetings on Potential Regulation Changes

The Alabama Marine Resources Division (MRD) will host three public meetings to provide information about potential upcoming regulation changes. To provide the information in a timely manner, the meetings are designed to address the priorities and issues of specific user groups. However, each meeting is open to the public.

The potential changes to be addressed are a fee-based reef fish endorsement for recreational, charter/for-hire and commercial anglers who possess reef fish. Additional changes include possible adjustments to size, bag limits, or seasonal closures for flounder and adjustments to size and bag limits for spotted seatrout.

The first meeting will address seafood processors, commercial anglers who target flounder and commercial anglers who possess a federal reef fish permit. A second meeting will be held to address private anglers who fish for flounder or spotted seatrout. The third meeting will address individuals who possess a state commercial party boat license.

MEETING TIMES AND LOCATIONS:

Who: Commercial anglers, federal reef fish permit holders and seafood processors
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2019, from 2-4 p.m.
Where: 5 Rivers Delta Classroom at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, Ala., 36527

Who: Private anglers
When: Wednesday, March 13, 2019, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: 5 Rivers Theater at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, Ala., 36527

Who: State-licensed commercial party boats
When: Wednesday, March 27, 2019, from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Tillmans Corner Community Center, 5055 Carol Plantation Rd., Mobile, Ala., 36619

If Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations are needed, please contact MRD Director Scott Bannon at 251-861-2882. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Contact: Marine Resources, 251-968-7576