bring criminal charges against persons who take 

 shellfish from the beds. That statute does not 

 require the beds to be marked as a condition for 

 prosecution. The purpose of the marking is to make 

 the public aware that no public harvest is allowed in 

 the area. 

 (6) Fines for violations of Marine Fisheries laws and 

 regulations are too low and do not discourage 

 violators . 

 RECOMMENDATIONS: Seafood 



(1) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly 

 amend G.S. 113-208 (a) to require that, unless private 

 shellfish beds are marked in accordance with 

 fisheries regulations, no criminal offense can be 

 charged or prosecuted. 



(2) The Commission recommends that the General Assembly 

 amend G.S. 20-125 (b) to authorize Marines Fisheries 

 offices to use sirens when they are in pursuit of 

 violators . 



(3) The Commission recognizes that the Division of Marino 

 Fisheries does not have adequate resources to enforce 

 Marine Fisheries laws and regulations. Therefore, 

 the Commission recommends that the General Assembly 

 appropriate $501,775 for five new Marine Fisheries 

 officers and for new enforcement equipment. 



