The state is accepting public comment until Oct. 21 on the draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 amendment and Appendix A, which includes early public comment and recommendations from a stakeholder group.
fisheries
Lose the seagrass and lose the fisheries
Marine and estuary plant life on which North Carolina’s fish species depend are vulnerable to warming and rising seas, scientists say.
Panel to discuss climate perils facing NC’s fishing industries
Carolina Public Press is hosting next week an online discussion on climate change and its effects on the state’s fisheries and coastal ecology.
Fisheries staff to monitor commercial gill net operations
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries reminds commercial fishers who use gill nets that a condition for the estuarine gill net permit is to allow division staff to observe operations.
Judge allows fisheries management lawsuit to proceed
A Raleigh judge says the lawsuit filed by Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina and 86 other plaintiffs against the state can move forward.
Marine Fisheries Commission to vote on nine rules
The N.C. Marine Fisheries commission will vote 2 p.m. Thursday on amendments and readoption of nine rules pertaining to waters managed jointly with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
Sgt. Williams named Marine Patrol Officer of the Year
Sgt. Odell Williams has been named the North Carolina Marine Patrol Officer of the year for 2021.
Interior expands Mackay Island Refuge hunting access
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has expanded hunting access for Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge on Knotts Island and other national wildlife refuges.
Public hearing on coastal habitat plan update a step closer
The state Environmental Management Commission and Marine Fisheries Commission have agreed to send the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment out for public comment and advisory committee review.
Fisheries to accept flounder carcasses, issue citations
The Division of Marine Fisheries is set to begin accepting flounder carcass donations and issue Saltwater Fishing Tournament citations as recreational flounder season begins.
NOAA looks to modify Atlantic whale take reduction plan
NOAA Fisheries is asking for feedback on proposed modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan.
Coastal habitat protection plan amendment under review
The N.C. Marine Fisheries commission will consider next week approving the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment for public comment and advisory committee review.
Fisheries-related coronavirus relief funding available
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting applications for federal coronavirus pandemic relief for commercial fishers, marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors and for-hire fishing operators.
Commercial fishing license applications to be reviewed
The Marine Fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board is expected to review submitted applications during its next meeting.
Strelcheck to lead NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast region
NOAA named Andy Strelcheck to lead Fisheries’ Southeast Region, which oversees North Carolina, based in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What’s on the line: Atlantic wahoo
Atlantic wahoo is one of the East Coast’s most prized gamefish, but a number of factors create management challenges for the popular species.