The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is scheduled to meet in Raleigh Aug. 20-21 and is set to vote on an amendment to the southern flounder fishery that would evenly split that fishery’s allocation between commercial and recreational fishers.
fisheries
Fledgling commercial fisheries group looks to boost industry
The North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition, formed in response to the recently proposed ban on shrimp trawling in state waters, met for the first time this week in Morehead City, drawing numerous state and local elected officials.
State releases annual fishery management plan update
The latest version contains information based on data through the year prior and includes stock status, data trends, and research needs.
Commercial fishing applications up for consideration this fall
Commercial fishing license applications submitted by Sept. 24 and deemed complete will be considered during an October conference call of the state fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board.
Public comment period opens for proposed fisheries rules
The public has opportunity to comment on several proposed rules to permits, franchises and shellfish leases at a hearing later this month and in writing through September.
Father-son fishing duo establish state records for two species
Jody Hopkins and his son Oden of Grimesland established state records for a channel scabbardfish and a spinycheek scorpion fish while fishing 33 miles off Ocracoke.
Group forms to represent commercial shrimpers’ interests
The new coalition is to defend and protect the state’s commercial fishing fleet and industry and was spawned by the recent fight over shrimp trawling in North Carolina’s inland and nearshore coastal waters.
Report: State needs more fisheries scientists to meet goals
The mandated study of North Carolina’s fisheries management practices finds that the state, despite increasingly intense management measures, is failing to protect and enhance coastal fisheries, and it includes no recommendation on trawling.
Two-week recreational flounder season opens Sept. 1
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries announced Wednesday the season for recreational hook-and-line and gig flounder harvest.
Flyers detail recent oyster, clam management changes
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff created flyers to explain recently adopted amendments to oyster and hard clam fisheries management plans.
Marine Fisheries asks anglers to donate red snapper carcasses
Recreational anglers who donate their red snapper fish carcass and complete the required catch-card will receive an inverted hook-descending device, and be entered into a drawing to win one of three SeaQualizer descending devices.
Spotted seatrout harvest season now open
New rules have been implemented for the spotted seatrout harvest season, which opened earlier this week in inland and joint fishing waters.
Woodard pens letter to Senate leader on roots of ‘Shrimpgate’
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Bob Woodard sent a letter June 30 to Senate Leader Phil Berger expressing “deep concern” about the last-minute changes to the two House bills that resulted in last week’s “Shrimpgate” protests.
House Republicans decline to take up shrimp trawling bill
The North Carolina Senate’s proposed ban on shrimp trawling in inland and nearby offshore waters is off the table, for now.
‘Injustice’: Lawmakers vow to fight Senate’s shrimp trawl ban
As tempers flare over a proposed ban on shrimp trawling in the state’s inland and nearby offshore waters — a Senate move that supporters deem necessary to protect bottom habitats — coastal legislators opposed to the language vowed Tuesday to side with shrimpers.
‘Shrimp Day’ in Raleigh to protest proposed trawling ban
N.C. Catch, N.C. Watermen United, Carteret County Fisherman’s Association, Ocracoke Seafood Co. and Carteret Catch are calling for supporters to “Save NC Shrimp: Shrimp Day at the Legislature” starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday in Raleigh.
