GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1282

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Sponsors: Representatives Richardson; Black, Bowman, Colton, DeVane, Flaherty, Gottovi, Hackney, Hightower, Justus, Lemmond, McCombs, C. Preston, Spears, and Warner.

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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.

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May 6, 1993

A JOINT RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF THE USE OF COMMERCIAL NETS ON FISH AND SHELLFISH STOCKS AND THEIR ESTUARINE HABITATS.
Whereas, the marine fishery resource is a valuable natural resource, providing jobs and aesthetic value to the citizens of North Carolina; and
Whereas, 14 of 22 species of fish monitored by the Division of Marine Fisheries are classified as stressed or overharvested; and
Whereas, certain stocks of fish, such as weakfish, croaker, and striped bass are in serious trouble, due largely to overharvest; and
Whereas, North Carolina has little regulation of the amount, type, or placement of highly efficient commercial nets in North Carolina waters, with records indicating there are over 9,600 shrimp trawls, 8,400,000 yards of gill net, and over 840 pound nets; and
Whereas, anyone, regardless of training or financial need, can purchase and use any of these commercial nets; and
Whereas, the Division of Marine Fisheries has done little to study the effects of these commercial nets on both fish and shellfish stocks and their estuarine habitats; and
	Whereas, neighboring states regulate the use of commercial nets and require that the more destructive gears like shrimp trawls be moved out of fragile estuarine waters;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study the effects that the use of commercial nets has on fish and shellfish stock and their estuarine habitats, and the need, if any, to regulate the use of commercial nets and other types of gear.  The Legislative Research Commission may also study any other issues relevant to this subject.
Sec. 2.  The Legislative Research Commission may report its findings and recommendations in an interim report to the 1993 General Assembly, 1994 Regular Session, and shall make a final report to the 1995 General Assembly.
Sec. 3.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.