A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to prohibit the taking of menhaden in State coastal fishing waters for the purpose of reduction.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Article 14A of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 113‑169.6.  Unlawful to take menhaden in State waters.
(a)	No person may take menhaden for the purpose of reduction, including conversion to fish meal, oil, and other components in any waters in the jurisdiction of the State, including the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within three nautical miles of the coastline of the State.
(b)	This section shall not apply to the taking of menhaden for use as bait for commercial or recreational purposes.
(c)	Any person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor."
SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective December 1, 2009, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.