The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is asking anglers to be on the lookout for a non-native species of shrimp called the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon).

This shrimp, native to the West Pacific Ocean, has been found in North Carolina waters and could pose a threat to the native shrimp species.

Fishermen reported capturing three of these shrimp last year, two in waters of the Pamlico Sound and one offshore from Bogue Banks, the division said in a news release.

It is believed that black tiger shrimp were introduced into the coastal waters of the South Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico by escaping from aquaculture facilities.

No commercial shrimp farms in North Carolina grow black tiger shrimp, so it is unlikely they were released from aquaculture operations in this state.

The impact of these shrimp on native species is unknown. However, many problems can result from the introduction of non-native species, including new diseases and competition for food and habitat.

The black tiger shrimp has distinct dark and white stripes along its back.

Captured shrimp should be frozen, record the date and location where it is caught and contact Trish Murphey at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries at (800) 682-2632 or Trish.Murphey@ncmail.net.

NRA invites young artists to compete

The National Rifle Association is now accepting entries for its 2008 Youth Wildlife Art Contest.

The contest is open to students in grades 1-12, including home-schooled children. NRA membership is not required. The deadline to enter is Oct. 3. Winners in each grade category will receive $500, second place $250 and third place $100, the NRA said in a news release.

Entries may be submitted in one of four categories. Category I (grades 1-3), Category II (grades 4-6), Category III (grades 7-9), and Category IV (grades 10-12).

Entries may portray any North American game bird or animal that may be legally hunted or trapped. Contestants may call (703) 267-1595 to confirm whether a certain animal or bird is eligible.

Contestants are limited to one entry each. Entries may be in a medium of the artist's choice. Submissions should be on good quality bond or drawing paper, or illustration board. Entries need not be framed. Composition must be original. Photographs may be used for reference, but artwork determined to have been traced or copied will be disqualified.

Entries must be accompanied by a statement signed by the student's parent, guardian, or teacher attesting to the originality of the work and verifying the artist's grade level as of Oct. 3.

The artist's name, age, home address, phone number and grade must be printed on the back of the entry or a note attached to the back of the entry. An optional submission form is available at www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp. Entries will be judged on effort, creativity, anatomical accuracy, and composition.

Send entries to: NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030.

Entries will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

The NRA assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged artwork, and reserves all rights to reproduce entries.

The immediate families of NRA staff members are not eligible to enter. Questions regarding the contest may be directed to (703) 267-1595 or artcontest@nrahq.org.