AGFC wants to know what’s on anglers’ minds
Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Officials with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are asking anglers to take time away from their tackle this May to talk about proposed fishing regulations that might go in to effect in 2009.
A series of 12 public meetings started at the beginning of the month, in various locations across the state, to give fishing enthusiasts a chance to give their input about the proposed changes for the next calendar year.
So far, public attendance at the meetings has been light, according to Mark Oliver, assistant chief of fisheries with the AGFC.
There are 15 proposed changes outlined on the commission's Web site. Some of the proposed changes include requiring fish farmers to keep all sales and shipment records on hand for inspection for a minimum of three years, and adding shovel-nose sturgeon to the state's sport fish category with a daily catch limit of two.
"These are staff proposals, but they do depend on the feedback we get from the public," Oliver said.
Individuals interested in voicing their opinions or concerns can attend one of the four upcoming meetings, or they can submit written comments about the changes to Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, c / o 2009 Fishing Regulations, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205, or by e-mail at information @ agfc. state. ar. u s. Written comments should be submitted by the end of the month, Oliver said.
The remaining meetings will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the following locations • May 15, Jonesboro Regional Office, 2920 McClellan Drive, Jonesboro • May 20, Beaver Lake Regional Office, 455 Dam Site Road, Eureka Springs • May 22, Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 350 Fish Hatchery Road, Hot Springs; and • May 29, AGFC Main Office, C. Maurice Lewis Jr. Natural Resources Complex, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock.
The public's comments will be reviewed by the AGFC's regulations committee, and then will be discussed and enacted during the commission's August meeting, Oliver said.
"We do take everything under consideration," he noted.
For more information or a complete list of proposed changes to the 2009 fishing regulations, visit the commission's Web site at www. agfc. com.
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