While North Carolina commercial fishermen sold 20% less last year to seafood dealers, the recreational harvest remained stable.
fisheries
New turtle excluder device requirement goes in effect Aug. 1
A new turtle excluder device requirement will go into effect next month for skimmer trawl vessels 40 feet or more in length.
What’s on the line: Atlantic tarpon, the ‘silver king’
Known in sportfishing lore for their spectacular leaps when hooked, Atlantic tarpon could become a catch-and-release-only species in North Carolina.
Deadline next week for NOAA Habitat Month photo contest
Submit coastal and marine habitat photos by July 21 to help NOAA Fisheries highlight Habitat Month this month.
Marine Fisheries committees to discuss small-mesh gill nets
Three state Marine Fisheries Commission advisory committees will meet by web conference later this month to discuss possible future small mesh gill net management measures.
Division of Marine Fisheries seeks striped bass advisers
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is looking for advisers to sit on the Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committee.
Stubborn greater amberjack live up to ‘reef donkey’ name
Powerful fighters that can test any anglers’ tackle and ability to land them, greater amberjack are often called “reef donkeys.”
State adjusts flounder seasons to rebuild stocks
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries announced Wednesday it has adjusted the recreational and commercial flounder seasons for 2021 to ensure a sustainable fishery.
Division of Marine Fisheries to collect red snapper carcasses
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries announced Tuesday it will collect red snapper carcasses from recreational fishermen during the upcoming red snapper-mini season.
Piggish behavior when feeding earned hogfish their name
These predators hunt for food on the sea floor using their hog-like snouts to make meals of mollusks and crustaceans, but their sex lives are far more unusual than that of most farm animals.
Analysis: Why NC imposed new limits on spot, croaker
Recreational bag limits and commercial season closures for spot and Atlantic croaker announced earlier this spring were prompted by “moderate” concern about stocks, but state biologists say both species remain abundant.
Public comment opens for shrimp fishery management plan
The state Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting comments until June 30 on proposed shrimp fishery management plan changes.
State seeks input on COVID-19 fisheries relief draft plan
The state Division of Marine Fisheries is looking for input from the public on a draft spending plan for federal COVID-19 fisheries relief.
Commission moves forward with shrimp plan amendment
N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will begin accepting public comment on the draft shrimp fishery management plan amendment 2 in the coming weeks.
Spawning season underway for NC’s migratory fish
It’s that time of year, when North Carolina’s migratory fish species — river herring, Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon and American eel — are making their annual trips upriver to spawn.
Artificial Reef Program sinks vessel off Oregon Inlet
The state Marine Fisheries Artificial Reef Program sunk Friday a 108-foot tugboat off Oregon Inlet.
