Eight proposed shellfish leases in Onslow County waters will be the focus of an online public hearing next month. The proposed leases total about 35 acres.
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has set the hearing for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. Public hearing information, including the web conference link, call-in telephone number, presentation slides, and biological investigation reports can be found on the website.
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The following have applied for shellfish leases:
- Middle Sound Mariculture, LLC has applied for a 5.04-acre shellfish bottom lease in the Permuda Island Bay area. Applicant for the company is listed as James Hargrove.
- Burr McLawhorn has applied for a 4.11-acre shellfish bottom lease and water column lease in mainland areas near Topsail Sound.
- Joshua Dunn has applied for a 3.52-acre shellfish bottom lease and water column lease in mainland areas near Topsail Sound.
- 8th Wonder Oyster Co., LLC has applied for an 8.6-acre shellfish bottom lease and water column amendment in Permuda Island Bay. Applicant for the company is listed on the investigation report as Robert Graham.
- White Oak Oyster Co. Inc. has applied for a 0.69-acre shellfish bottom lease and a water column lease in Bogue Inlet. Applicant for the company is listed on the investigation report as Benjamin Davey.
- Matthew Schwab has applied for a 3.30-acre water column lease on an existing shellfish bottom lease in the New River below the Highway 172 Bridge.
- Anchored Life Oyster Farm, LLC has applied for a 5.11-acre water column lease on an existing shellfish bottom lease in the New River below the Highway 172 Bridge. Applicant for the company is listed on the investigation report as Holden Davanzo.
- Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., LLC has applied for a 4.08-acre shellfish bottom lease and water column lease in the New River below the Highway 172 Bridge. Applicants for the company are listed on the investigation report as Thomas Cody Faison and Rachel Faison.
The public may comment on the above lease applications during the hearing. To speak, register online by 4 p.m. Jan. 26.
Written comments can be submitted through an online form or mailed to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Shellfish Leases, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557. Deadline is 6 p.m. Jan. 28
The division’s Shellfish Lease and Aquaculture Program has an interactive mapping tool on its website for potential shellfish growers, riparian property owners, and others interested in shellfish leases to find the location, size and other information about active and terminated shellfish leases.
