From NC DMV New Red Drum License PLate Pat McCrory, Governor John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Release: Immediate Contact: Patricia Smith Date: Nov. 18, 2014 Phone: 252-726-7021 Applications being accepted for new red drum license plate MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting applications for a newly- approved North Carolina license plate that pays homage to the state’s saltwater fish. Red Drum was officially adopted as North Carolina’s state saltwater fish in 1971. The new plate features an illustration of a red drum against a background of sea grass. The top of the plate reads, “RED DRUM” and the bottom reads “NORTH CAROLINA.” The cost is $30 for a regular plate or $60 for a personalized plate per year in addition to the regular license plate fee. Download a photo of and application for the red drum plates at portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/red-drum-license-plate1. Revenue from the sale of red drum plates is earmarked to fund public access to and habitat protection of red drum waters. Sometimes called channel bass, spottail bass, red fish and puppy drum, red drum is an important species to both recreational and commercial fishermen in North Carolina. Since red drum use a variety of estuarine and oceanic habitats throughout their life cycles, habitat protection is important to maintaining and enhancing the red drum population. The red drum tag is the twin of a new native brook trout license plate that features the state’s freshwater fish. The two license plates were the brainchild of Jon Jicha, a professor in Western Carolina University’s School of Art and Design. Jicha, an avid fly fisherman, said he came up with the idea as a way this state could demonstrate its commitment to its fisheries resource. He took his proposal to state legislators, who agreed to sponsor legislation. Jicha said he was eager to design the matching plates. “My contribution is gratifying in that it targets public awareness for our valuable resources,” Jicha said. “Native species of any kind need support for their continued existence.” The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles will not issue the red drum license plate until 500 applications are received. For more information about applying for the red drum plates, contact Patricia Smith at 252-808-8025 or [email protected]. To apply for native brook trout plates, see the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission website at ncwildlife.org/Fishing/NativeBrookTroutLicensePlate.aspx. More information about the artist can be found at jonjicha. ###
Posted on: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 22:40:36 +0000
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