4/16/2007

Emergency Regulation Signed on Use of Net Fishing
                                                                            

CONTACT: David Dean, 334-242-3165

 Commissioner Barnett Lawley signed an emergency regulation today – Rule 220-3-.03-.155ER – dealing with the use of gill and certain other nets in Alabama’s coastal waters.

This emergency action was taken in order to maximize fishing opportunities for various user groups fishing for Spanish mackerel.

The regulation goes into effect on Thursday, April 12, 2007, and does the following:

1. Sets a minimum mesh size of 1-3/4 inches knot to knot for Spanish mackerel harvest, with a 10 percent bycatch allowance for netters using mesh size less than 1-3/4 inches knot to knot. 

2. Prohibits use or possession of gill nets in the Gulf waters of Alabama from noon Friday to 7 p.m. Sunday during the period of March 15 through the day after Labor Day each year.

3. Generally (except as otherwise provided) prohibits use or possession of nets in the Gulf waters of Alabama with a mesh size smaller than 1-9/16 inches knot to knot. 

4. Closes the Gulf waters to netting from July 3, 2007 until July 9, 2007 and similar time periods in future years.

5. Generally applies to gill nets, trammel nets, other entangling nets, seines, and haul seines. 

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

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