The 80 readopted marine fisheries rules that become effective Monday should have minimal impact on fishing practices, Division of Marine Fisheries officials said.
The rules pertain to standards for commercial shellfish sanitation and processing procedures, and most of the amendments codify existing practices or regulations already implemented via proclamation.
Sponsor Spotlight
The rules were adopted, repealed or amended, and then readopted by the Marine Fisheries Commission in November 2023 under a state-mandated periodic review schedule.
They ensure that North Carolina remains in compliance with the National Shellfish Sanitation Program’s Guide for the Control of Molluscan Shellfish. North Carolina must meet the minimum requirements of this guide to sell oysters, clams and scallops through interstate commerce, and to protect the health of shellfish consumers.
Full text of the rules can be found in the April 1, 2024, Supplement to the 2020 N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission rulebook.
For questions about these rules, email Catherine Blum, rules coordinator for the division, at Catherine.Blum@deq.nc.gov.
