Densely allocated shellfish leases and the resulting conflicts and complaints have prompted a yearslong pause on new leases in New Hanover County and other nearby waters, and Topsail Island officials say a temporary moratorium on new leases is also needed in Stump Sound in Onslow and Pender counties.
fisheries
Recreational season for black sea bass opens May 1
The black sea bass season for recreational anglers in state waters north of Cape Hatteras will open May 1 and close Dec. 31.
‘Hope in the Water’ docuseries viewing April 20 in Manteo
The PBS docuseries, produced by Andrew Zimmern and David E. Kelley, “blends science, food, and storytelling to spotlight innovative solutions in what’s often called the ‘blue food’ system—food sourced from oceans, rivers, and aquaculture,” organizers said.
Session set to educate, listen to public on shellfish lease issues
Area residents will be able to share their experiences and opinions and learn more about the issues surrounding shellfish aquaculture in Stump Sound and Topsail Sound during an informational presentation and listening session April 14 in Hampstead.
Commercial, for-hire fishing license, permit presale is April 15
Commercial and for-hire fishers may take advantage of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries’ presales for fishing licenses and permits beginning April 15.
Applicants needed for southern flounder advisory committee
Advisers are needed to collaborate on amendment 5, which is to address the Marine Fisheries Commission’s request to expand flounder fishery recreational access while continuing to rebuild the southern flounder stock, as well as issues in the commercial fishery.
Striped bass season to open in parts of Tar-Pamlico, Neuse
Anglers may harvest striped bass by hook-and-line in areas of the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse rivers from April 1-30.
Recreational black sea bass season to open April 1, no foolin’
The recreational fishing season for black sea bass in federal waters south of Cape Hatteras kicks off at 12:01 a.m. on April 1.
Hearing set for proposed Pamlico County shellfish lease
Evan R. Gadow has applied for a 0.72-acre lease in Little Bear Creek.
Hearing on proposed Hyde shellfish leases March 18
A public hearing on three proposed shellfish bottom and water column leases in Hyde County is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at Hyde County Courthouse in Swan Quarter.
NOAA Fisheries considers changing right whale protections
As more than 20 North Atlantic right whale mother and calf pairs prepare to migrate up the U.S. Atlantic Coast, the Trump administration is considering rolling back protections for the critically endangered species.
More red drum to be added to satellite tracking platform
The North Carolina Marine & Estuary Foundation and North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries plan to tag 25 additional red drum this year as part of a project to better understand where and how the species travels through the state’s coastal waters.
Public may apply for shellfish leases now through Aug. 1
Those who want to lease public coastal waters to cultivate shellfish have until Aug. 1 to submit applications.
Wildlife agency to host hearings on proposed fisheries rules
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission officials will discuss proposed temporary rule amendments for sheepshead and spotted seatrout during public hearings scheduled for this month.
NC fisheries division asks for Gulf flounder carcass donations
The upcoming recreational Gulf flounder season off the North Carolina coast is just around the corner, and state marine fisheries officials are asking fishers to donate the carcasses of their Gulf flounder catch.
New sheepshead regulations to begin March 1
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries says the new regulations are needed due to increases in sheepshead harvest, particularly juvenile fish.
