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.
fisheries
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.
Fisheries Commission to Meet May 20
The state Marine Fisheries Commission will meet at 9 a.m. May 20 by web conference to hear updates on the southern flounder and shrimp fishery management plans.
$5.2M in Relief Awarded to Fishing Industry
More than $5.2 million in financial assistance was awarded to those eligible in fishing industries who sustained income losses in the spring of 2020 due to COVID-19.
New Nursery Area Rules Effective Saturday
Nine special secondary nursery areas have been reclassified with associated changes affecting gill net attendance requirements in select waters.
Anglers Can Donate Fish Carcasses to Science
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries reminds fishers that they can donate fish carcasses to science at one of seven freezer sites along the coast.
Rawls to be First Female NC Fisheries Director
Kathy Rawls becomes the Division of Marine Fisheries director Saturday, the first woman to head the agency.
Groups Update NC Oyster Restoration Plan
An ongoing collaborative effort to restore N.C. oysters promises environmental, economic benefits, officials said Tuesday as updates to the plan were unveiled.
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.
