With the current project to build an oyster sanctuary near Cedar Island, the Division of Marine Fisheries is getting closer to its goal of 500 acres of protected oyster reefs in Pamlico Sound by 2026.
fisheries
NOAA proposes expanding right whale protections
NOAA is asking for public comment on proposed changes that would expand mandatory speed restrictions for vessels to reduce the likelihood of collisions with north Atlantic right whales.
Pro tips: How to catch everyone’s favorite bottom dweller
Keep a sharp eye because you may not see them below, but there’s a certain fish that when hooked, despite its lowly status, is likely to make everyone happy.
Fisheries Division releases 2021 management plan review
The review released Wednesday summarizes available information, such as long-term trends in catch, biological data and management, through 2021 for North Carolina’s state-managed species.
Advisory board to hear updates on GenX, toxicity studies
Department of Environmental Quality staff are expected to present information regarding the EPA’s reference doses for PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and PFBS, bioaccumulation factors and potential uses.
State certifies first record-setting Spanish hogfish
Dr. Robert W. Timson of Southport holds the state and International Game Fish Association certification world record for a Spanish hogfish he caught last year offshore of Frying Pan Tower.
Recreational red snapper two-day season this weekend
N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries officials are asking recreational fishers to donate red snapper carcasses caught during the two-day season this weekend.
Shellfish lease transfer amended rule in effect
The changes clarify definitions and formalize procedures for transferring ownership or subleasing a shellfish lease.
Shellfish lease application period to close Aug. 1
The Division of Marine Fisheries accepts shellfish bottom lease and water column applications annually from March 1 through Aug. 1.
Interactive map shows where marine fisheries rules apply
The Division of Marine Fisheries has a new interactive, online tool to help the public with rules like anadromous fish spawning areas, demarcations of coastal, joint and inland fishing waters, and crab spawning sanctuaries.
Division rewards 15 anglers in fish tag drawing
The Division of Marine Fisheries randomly selected fish tag numbers from more than 664 tags that were turned in during 2021.
Meeting set on shellfish leasing in Bogue Sound
The goal is to provide information on shellfish leases and the potential of shellfish aquaculture enterprise areas in and around Bogue Sound, where there’s a moratorium on new leases.
Estuarine flounder dealer permits now available
Applications for the free permit are available online, by calling, or by setting up an appointment at one of the division offices.
State adds tons of material to artificial reefs
The state Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program recently partnered with a various organizations to add material to existing man-made reefs.
Recreational flounder season to be Sept. 1-30
Recreational flounder season will be from Sept. 1-30 with provisions for recreational hook-and-line and gig fisheries. No harvesting with a recreational commercial gear license is allowed.
Wilmington fisher catches first state record Graysby grouper
The Division of Marine Fisheries certified the 2-pound, 3-ounce fish George Dale caught May 31 near Masonboro Inlet.