The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division  will hold two public listening sessions in November to gather input on a new shrimp fishery management plan now in development.

The sessions are part of a statewide effort to ensure Alabama’s shrimping industry remains sustainable and compliant with external certification standards according to a news release.

“The Alabama shrimp fishery is undergoing an external certification process to demonstrate the resource is managed sustainably,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR commissioner, in the release. “The new shrimp fishery management plan is a requirement for that certification. It is important that we receive input from participants in Alabama’s shrimping industry. If adopted, the new plan will be used by ADCNR to manage the state’s shrimp fishery.”

Marine Resources Division staff will present proposed goals and objectives at each session, then invite attendees to offer feedback and suggest additional priorities. Each meeting will include multiple public comment periods.

The first session will be held Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Bayou La Batre Community Center, 12745 Padgett Switch Rd. in Bayou La Batre. The second will take place Thursday, Nov. 13, from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. a little closer to home — at the Gulf Shores Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr. in Gulf Shores.

Those needing Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations or more information should contact John Mareska with the Marine Resources Division at john.mareska@dcnr.alabama.gov or (251) 968-9737. ADCNR asks that requests be submitted as early as possible and no later than two days before the scheduled session.

ADCNR oversees the conservation, management and public enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through its Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries divisions. More details are available at www.outdooralabama.com.