The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed marine rule changes on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, N.H. The hearing will be of particular interest to harvesters of winter flounder and coastal sharks.

The proposed rule change for winter flounder under consideration would implement a trip limit for commercial fishermen fishing in state waters and, for recreational anglers, implement a reduction in the daily bag limit or a 10-day closed season in May. In addition, a variety of new rules are proposed for large coastal shark species including a prohibition on possession of certain species, a prohibition on finning, and requiring dealers who purchase sharks to possess a federal dealers permit. These rules address state compliance with Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission fisheries management plans for these species.

The proposed rule relative to winter flounder and large coastal shark species may be found at http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm.

Written comments on the proposed changes may be submitted by October 28, 2009. E-mail to comments@wildlife.nh.gov (please put "Comment on Marine Rules" in subject line); fax to (603) 271-1438; or mail to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more information about N.H. Fish and Game's Marine Division, visit http://www.wildnh.com/marine.