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November 16, 2001

PUBLIC MEETINGS ON LOBSTER DECEMBER 5 & 6

For more information contact:
Bruce Freeman at 609-292-2083

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will host two public meetings on December 5 and 6 in Atlantic and Monmouth counties, respectively. The meetings will be held to solicit public input regarding a recent amendment to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster.

"The Division has been working cooperatively with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to help ensure the future of American lobster in New Jersey waters," said Division Director Bob McDowell. "Current management measures must be evaluated and if necessary, modified for the benefit of the species."

The following are dates, times and locations for the upcoming meetings:

December 5; 7 p.m.
Galloway Township Library
Jimmie Leeds Road
Absecon

December 6; 7 p.m.
Belmar Municipal Courtroom
601 Main Street
Belmar

The lobster plan amendment highlights alternative management measures applicable to commercial fishing in six lobster conservation management areas along the East Coast. Copies of the Draft Amendment can be obtained by contacting ASMFC Administrative Assistant Vanessa Jones at 202-289-6400, or by visiting the ASMFC web site at http://www.asmfc.org.

Individuals can provide input by attending the meeting; writing Fisheries Management Plan Coordinator Heather Stirratt at 1444 Eye Street, N.W., Sixth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005; faxing their input to 202-289-6051; or e-mailing it to hstirratt@asmfc.org. Public comments will be accepted until December 31.