An ongoing collaborative effort to restore N.C. oysters promises environmental, economic benefits, officials said Tuesday as updates to the plan were unveiled.
fisheries
Efforts On to Rebuild NC’s Oyster Population
Numerous factors contributed to the decline of North Carolina’s oyster population over the past 100 years, but building new oyster reefs is part of the ongoing restoration.
Fisheries Makes Changes to Citation Program
The state Division of Marine Fisheries announced several changes to its saltwater fishing tournament criteria that go into effect May 1.
New Shellfish Permit Geared for Restoration
The Division of Marine Fisheries has created a new type of shellfish permit that allows oysters grown on leases to be used in habitat restoration.
Brunswick Shellfish Lease Hearing May 25
The state Division of Marine Fisheries is holding a public hearing 6 p.m. May 25 on a proposed shellfish lease in Brunswick County.
Black Sea Bass Season to Open May 15
The recreational black sea bass fishing season is set to open May 15 in both federal and state waters north of Cape Hatteras.
Pender County Shellfish Leases Hearing Set
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is holding at 6 p.m. May 18 a public hearing by web conference on proposed shellfish leases in Pender County.
Sea Grant Publishes Seafood Guide
Barry Nash, N.C. Sea Grant’s seafood marketing specialist, has compiled a free online guide about the commercial seafood industry.
Onslow Proposed Shellfish Lease Meeting Set
An online public hearing on proposed shellfish leases in Onslow County is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 11.
Kingfish Not Always Known By Royal Titles
Sea mullet, whiting, roundhead, hard head, hake — the three species of kingfish in North Carolina waters are known by numerous names, not all befitting a king.
Roanoke River Striped Bass Season to Open
The 2021 striped bass harvest season opens Saturday to April 16 in the lower river zone of Roanoke River Management Area and from April 24–30 in the upper river zone,
Recreational Cobia Season Opens May 1
The recreational cobia fishing season will open May 1 in North Carolina waters with new private vessel limits and closes Dec. 31.
Flooding, Resilience on Legislators’ Agenda
A new legislative committee is expected to push measures addressing riverine flooding and resiliency needs as numerous bills with coastal provisions advance.
Commission Amends Flounder Allocations
The state Marine Fisheries Commission has approved new allocations for southern flounder to gradually equalize differences between commercial and recreational fisheries.
New Regulations for Spot, Atlantic Croaker
New recreational bag limits for spot and Atlantic croaker will take effect April 15, and commercial spot and Atlantic croaker seasons will close beginning in December.
Coastal Habitat, Protection Webinar April 19
Hear how coastal habitats contribute to coastal protection and blue carbon storage at noon April 19 during a Coastal Habitat Learning Series webinar.
