THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 1997 TAG: 9702050594
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: North Carolina Briefs
LENGTH: 27 lines
North Carolina fisheries management officials have worked out an agreement to allow striped bass caught in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina to be sold in New York seafood markets.
The agreement allows the sale to New York dealers of striped bass from 24 to 36 inches in length. The size limit, said Bruce Freeman, director of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, is a condition of the continued access to the New York seafood markets.
North Carolina currently allows the harvest of striped bass from the Atlantic Ocean that are at least 28 inches long. Freeman said striped bass longer than 36 inches that are shipped to New York will be in violation of New York laws.
Freeman said his office also has been advised that only certain dealers are permitted to buy and ship striped bass in New York. He advised striped bass dealers to check their New York dealers' authorization before shipping the fish.
Names of fish-receiving markets in New York are available during normal business hours by calling the Elizabeth City Marine Fisheries office at (919) 264-3911 or (800) 338-7805 or the Morehead City office at (800) 682-2632.