FEB. 27 MEETING IN CHARLESTON TO FOCUS ON COASTAL SHARKS-A meeting to discuss a comprehensive Fishery Management Pan for Atlantic coastal sharks will be held in Charleston at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Marine Resources Division Auditorium. The draft Fishery Management Plan addresses the management of 39 shark species. It proposes management measures for state recreational and commercial shark fisheries, including permitted species, regions, seasons, quotas, possession limits, size limits, protection of nursing and pupping grounds, authorized gear, dealer reporting, research, display, finning and bycatch reduction. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) biologists have been monitoring shark populations in the state's estuaries and nearshore waters since 1994. Bryan Frazier, DNR fisheries biologist said, "Data that is collected from our field monitoring throughout the coastal region is used in stock assessments to assist with informed decisions on the state and federal level." The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Fishery Management Plan is a collaborative effort between the 15 Atlantic coast states to ensure that imperiled shark population stocks have protection in the estuaries and nearshore waters. These areas serve as the shark fishery's primary and secondary nursery grounds. Public comment will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 28 and should be forwarded to Chris Vonderweidt, Fisheries Management Plan Coordinator, 1444 Eye Street, NW, Sixth Floor, Washington, DC 20005; (202) 289-6051 (fax) or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Sharks). For more information, contact Chris Vonderweidt at (202) 289-6400 or cvonderweidt@asmfc.org. #08-48