Framing it as a saltwater flavor of technology hubs, officials broke ground this week on the planned Shellfish Mariculture Hub in Carteret County that will feature a 2,500-square-foot structure next to the boat ramp at Straits Landing, cold storage, equipment, an outdoor workspace and water access for growers.
fisheries
Commission to act on proposed Atlantic bonito management
The meeting at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in New Bern is open to the public and will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Pilot project extends summer red snapper season 62 days
The recreational red snapper season will open July 1 – Aug. 31 to anglers willing to take part in a pilot project that aims to monitor the tightly-regulated fishery.
Temporary creel, length limits for sheepshead begin May 6
The regulation for sheepshead harvest in inland and joint fishing waters of the state aligns with a recent proclamation enacting similar limits in coastal fishing waters.
Webinar set on developing new blue crab stock assessment
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is holding the online meeting May 28 to update the public work underway to develop a new blue crab stock assessment.
Topsail Islanders amp up calls for hold on new shellfish leases
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.
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.
