MOREHEAD CITY — The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will continue to accept written comments on a petition for rulemaking filed by the N.C. Wildlife Federation until 5 p.m. Jan. 26.

Commission Chairman Sammy Corbett extended the comment period, originally scheduled to end Jan. 20, to accommodate those who were unable to speak last week during a public meeting on the petition in New Bern.

The public may submit written comments on the petition to NCWFPetition@ncdenr.gov or to:

NCWF Petition
Marine Fisheries Commission Office
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
P.O. Box 769
Morehead City, N.C. 28557

The petition asks the commission to designate all coastal fishing waters (including the ocean out to 3 miles) not otherwise designated as nursery areas as special secondary nursery areas; establish clear criteria for the opening of shrimp season; and define the type of gear and how and when gear may be used in special secondary nursery areas during shrimp season.

The commission will hold a business meeting Feb. 15-16 at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside, 301 N. Water St., Wilmington. A full meeting agenda will be released at a later date.