A state Division of Marine Fisheries committee will hear challenges to two proposed shellfish leases the division’s director approved in April.
fisheries
Measure that would halt inshore shrimp trawling advances
A controversial bill in the North Carolina General Assembly that would ban shrimp trawling in inshore waters and offshore waters up to a half-mile gained momentum Tuesday.
Dewey Hemilright advocates for US commercial fishing fleet
Forceful and outspoken, this passionate advocate for the commercial fishing industry has spent 30 years in the business and served in fisheries management.
State fisheries now accepting shellfish lease applications
Individuals, businesses, and partnerships interested in leasing public coastal waters to farm oysters or clams may apply for leases through Aug. 1.
Spotted seatrout harvest to reopen July 1 with new rules
Spotted seatrout season is to reopen July 1, with new measures for commercial and recreational harvest in coastal and joint waters, after a monthslong closure following widespread cold stuns.
Fisheries Commission advances flounder allocation for 2025
The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission wants to advance toward an even split between commercial and recreational southern flounder allocations this year instead of a 60/40, commercial-recreational allocation.
Wilmington fisher establishes state record for white trevally
Thomas Woo of Wilmington caught the 19-pound, 3.2-ounce striped jack May 8 about 55 miles off Wrightsville Beach, establishing the state record.
Commission to consider flounder management plan options
Two draft Southern Flounder Management Plan amendments at different stages of the rulemaking process are to go before the Marine Fisheries Commission at its meeting May 21-23 in Beaufort.
Recreational spotted seatrout season temporarily closed
State wildlife officials say the temporary closure through June 30 was made to avoid confusion.
Newport man lands new state record vermilion snapper
Colby Shaw of Newport has broken a 15-year state record with his recent catch of a vermilion snapper.
Senate bill pushes for prohibiting, fining for balloon releases
After lobbying, letter writing, cajoling and presentations, “one-woman crusader” Debbie Swick of Southern Shores has seen her efforts to ban balloon releases become a bipartisan-supported senate bill.
Moratoriums threaten aquaculture, environment, say farmers
Shellfish farmers say their industry’s positive benefits have been proven elsewhere in the country, but holds on new state aquaculture leases and a moratorium that Topsail Island residents want could sink businesses.
Public hearing set for proposed Roanoke Sound shellfish lease
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has scheduled a public hearing in Dare County May 6 on a proposed shellfish lease in Roanoke Sound.
Public hearing scheduled for Hyde shellfish lease application
The public hearing for a shellfish lease application for more than 2 acres in Germantown Bay is set for April 29.
Agencies set to spread word on mandatory harvest reporting
Division of Marine Fisheries and Wildlife Resources Commission, the two agencies that manage state fisheries, are working to prepare recreational and commercial fishermen for the mandatory harvest reporting rules that are to go in effect Dec. 1.
Fishermen, scientists differ on whale mortality, wind energy
Opinions up and down the North Carolina coast differ on the reasons behind rising numbers of Atlantic whale deaths, but marine researchers say the science is clear.
