Latest in our series: As tensions grow among various users of public trust waters over site selection for North Carolina’s growing shellfish mariculture industry, new lease applications filed with the state would cover a combined 55 acres of bottom and water columns in six counties.
fisheries
Kingfishes management plan scoping period to open Sept. 1
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is opening a 30-day scoping period beginning Sept. 1 to gather input on potential management strategies and discuss priorities for the kingfishes fishery management plan
Panel to update CRC on hardened structures report revisions
The Coastal Resources Commission and the science panel that advises the commission are scheduled to meet in Manteo Aug. 26-27 to discuss, among other topics, the draft report on coastal hardened erosion-control structures.
Marine Fisheries Commission to meet in Raleigh Aug. 19-20
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is expected to hear the draft update to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan during its meeting this month.
NOAA seeks input on potential commercial aquaculture areas
NOAA is seeking public input through Sept. 14 on where the agency should consider future aquaculture opportunity areas in U.S. waters.
John Theodorakis lands state record yellowfin grouper
The 45-pound, 9.6-ounce fish caught July 2 about 45 miles offshore of Carolina Beach broke a 2009 record.
Proposed Atlantic bonito bag limit comment period to open
A proposed rule to set a recreational bag limit for Atlantic bonito will go out for public comment beginning Monday.
Standard commercial fishing license applications due Sept. 21
The eligibility board is to meet Oct. 14 to that consider standard commercial fishing license applications deemed complete and submitted by the Sept. 21 deadline to the Division of Marine Fisheries.
DEQ staff ready update to fisheries habitat protection plan
North Carolina’s Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, a long-term strategy for supporting coastal fisheries, is due for its five-year update, and the three state commissions that adopt rules for air and water quality, state fisheries, and coastal development, respectively, are set to soon send draft changes out for public comment.
Work begins for periodic update of state coastal habitat plan
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality staff are to present outlines for the new issue papers for the 2026 update to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan, the state’s long-term strategy to protect coastal habitat, a necessity for a sustainable seafood industry.
State announces commercial flounder season opening dates
Internal coastal and joint fishing waters will open for the 2026 commercial flounder season beginning in mid- to late-September.
NCSU, Carteret college OK aquaculture transfer agreement
North Carolina State University and Carteret Community College have signed an agreement designed to create a streamlined transfer pathway for students seeking to earn bachelor’s degrees in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology.
EMC to hear progress on habitat protection plan update
The 15-member Environmental Management Commission are scheduled to hear an update to the N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan at its July 9 meeting.
Committee to discuss draft habitat plan, seagrass formula
The Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee’s meeting scheduled for Thursday will include discussion of the draft 2026 amendment to the North Carolina Coastal Habitat Protection Plan.
State announces tagging program’s yearly drawing winners
Fifteen anglers are each $100 richer as the latest winners of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries’ annual drawing of Multi-Species Tagging Program tag numbers.
Moratoriums leave NC shellfish farmers with few options
Shellfish lease moratoriums covering several coastal counties have pushed growers to the waters near Topsail Island, and the resulting pushback could lead to further restrictions, but growers say producing in-demand, presentation-perfect oysters is difficult enough without the fight.
