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North Carolina Marine Fisheries Proclamation M-24-2022 closed Management Unit B, which is most of Pamlico Sound, to the use of fixed or stationary gill nets with a stretched mesh length less than four inches.

The proclamation was effective at 6 p.m., Nov. 2, 2022.

“The intent of this proclamation,” states the proclamation, “is to comply with the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Federal Incidental Take Permit for Sea Turtles (ITP). The observed takes of sea turtles from fixed or stationary gill nets with a stretched mesh length less than 4-inches is approaching the authorized level of takes allowed under the sea turtle ITP for Management Unit B. The Division is preemptively closing Management Unit B to allow sea turtles in the area time to migrate out as water temperatures decrease. The Division may re-open the area once water temperatures have decreased to a level that the likelihood of interacting with a sea turtle is diminished.”

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