The first rule sets requirements for the harvest classification of shellfish growing waters in or by marinas and docks, while the second provides flexibility on using finfish as bait.
fisheries
Commercial flounder season to reopen for gigs, hook-line
Division of Marine Fisheries officials will reopen the commercial flounder season Sunday, Oct. 9, for gigs and hook-and-line in internal coastal waters statewide.
Two events set to pay tribute to fishing industry, families
The 25th Blessing of the Fleet in Morehead City is set for Sunday morning and the Swansboro Blessing of the Fleet is Oct. 7.
Division will not open fall recreational striped bass season
The division said that further harvest reductions were prompted by a stock assessment update with last year’s data.
Commercial flounder season to close for mobile gear
The Division of Marine Fisheries is closing the commercial flounder season for mobile gears in internal coastal waters statewide.
State distributes Florence relief to 103 fishing businesses
The Division of Marine Fisheries has selected 103 fishing industry businesses to receive more than $7.6 million.
Fisheries Commission seeks advisory committee members
Individuals interested in serving as an adviser should be willing to attend meetings at least once every two months and actively participate in the committee process, which includes reviewing scientific documents and issue papers to make recommendations on management strategies.Â
Appeals court says fisheries lawsuit can move forward
The three-judge appellate court on Tuesday unanimously affirmed a 2021 ruling that denied the state’s request to dismiss the lawsuit.
Division to address striped mullet stock with amendment
Division of Marine Fisheries staff are developing an amendment to the state Striped Mullet Fishery Management Plan and are asking for public input.
State asks anglers to donate flounder carcasses for research
This year’s recreational flounder season will open at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, and close at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 30 for both the recreational hook-and-line and gig fisheries.
Commission tables striped bass plan amendment
Estuarine striped bass management will continue as prescribed by Amendment 1, including the temporary management measures related to possession limits and the use of large mesh gill nets in the upper Neuse and Pamlico river systems, until Amendment 2 is adopted.
Researchers index climate change effects for marine species
Nearly 90% of the 25,000 marine species studied will be at high or critical risk by 2100 in the worst-case scenario for greenhouse gas emissions, according to the study out this week.
Fisheries Commission meets Aug. 17-18
Approval for the Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan Amendment 2 and the River Herring Fishery Management Plan information update are on the agenda.
Pamlico Sound oyster sanctuary network continues to grow
With the current project to build an oyster sanctuary near Cedar Island, the Division of Marine Fisheries is getting closer to its goal of 500 acres of protected oyster reefs in Pamlico Sound by 2026.
NOAA proposes expanding right whale protections
NOAA is asking for public comment on proposed changes that would expand mandatory speed restrictions for vessels to reduce the likelihood of collisions with north Atlantic right whales.
Pro tips: How to catch everyone’s favorite bottom dweller
Keep a sharp eye because you may not see them below, but there’s a certain fish that when hooked, despite its lowly status, is likely to make everyone happy.
