1. Gill Nets and Unauthorized Interactions with Sea Turtles Overview of Events Feb. 18, 2010

2. July 7 DMF receives letter from NMFS concerning unauthorized takes of sea turtles in the Core Sound gill net fishery July 8 DMF issues proclamation implementing stricter regulations on gill nets in Core and Back sounds and waters around Hammocks Beach State Park Oct. 20 DMF receives notice of intent to file a lawsuit from Duke Environmental Law & Policy Clinic against DMF and the MFC Timeline

3. Nov. 13 DMF consults with NMFS regarding potential lawsuit and how to ensure N.C. fisheries are compliant with the ESA Nov. 30 DMF receives second letter from NMFS that reiterates the need for the state to take action Jan. 11 DMF letter to NMFS outlining interim May 15- Dec. 15 gill net restrictions while pursuing statewide Section 10 Permit for gill nets Jan. 11- Now Continued discussions with NMFS resulting in modified proposal

12. Proclamation From May 15 –Dec. 15, gill nets greater than 3 ½ inches stretched mesh may not be used in internal coastal fishing waters, except: 1.North of the Albemarle Sound Management Area boundary line 2.West of a line across the mouths of Neuse, Bay, Pamlico/Pungo rivers (including those rivers) 3.In the upper New River 4.In the upper Cape Fear River 5.When the gill net is used as a run-around or strike net, which is a net used to surround a school of fish and then is immediately retrieved

13. From May 15 –Dec. 15 gill nets greater than 3 ½ inches stretched mesh may not be used in an area between the Cape Lookout rock jetty and Shackleford Banks. The proclamation does not impact any other waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The proclamation does not impact the fall gill net fishery in the Pamlico Sound Gill Net Restricted Area, which is under an existing Section 10 Permit. Existing regulations for small mesh gill nets (now smaller than 3 ½ stretched mesh) remain in effect.