The Pamlico Sound is closing to all large-mesh gill net fishing because of problems with endangered sea turtles.
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has documented four interactions between the large-mesh gill nets and sea turtles since that type of fishing was allowed in the Pamlico Sound beginning Sept. 15. State officials say these interactions included one dead and one live endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles.
State officials don't know if they'll reopen the water this fall after it closes Wednesday. That depends on the occurrence of sea turtles in the area.
By federal rule, all of Pamlico Sound closes to large-mesh gill net fishing from Sept. 1 through Nov. 30 of each year. However, some exceptions are allowed if the waters are monitored.
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