Mandatory Harvest Reporting
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandatory Harvest Reporting
New harvest reporting requirements will impact recreational and commercial fishermen starting Dec. 1, 2025.
A new state law requires that any person who recreationally harvests Red Drum, flounder, Spotted Seatrout (speckled trout), Striped Bass and Weakfish (gray trout) must report that harvest to the NC Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). This applies to Coastal Fishing Waters, Joint Fishing Waters and Inland Fishing Waters adjacent to Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters.
Additionally, it requires anyone holding a commercial fishing license, who is engaged in a commercial fishing operation, to report all fish harvested to DMF, regardless of sale.
DMF staff, in collaboration with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), are developing reporting methods that will be used to meet this mandate. The reporting system was funded through a one-time, $5 million allocation to DMF.
A one-year extension passed by the legislature will allow DMF and WRC to actively engage with stakeholders, not only to inform them about the requirements, but also to ensure that the reporting process and tool(s) are robust and user-friendly.
Enforcement
Mandatory harvest reporting will be enforced by DMF’s Marine Patrol and the WRC’s Law Enforcement Division. Enforcement will be phased in over a period of three years.
Phase 1: Effective December 1, 2025, and includes a verbal warning for failure to report harvest.
Phase 2: Starting December 1, 2026, warning tickets will be issued.
Phase 3: Starting December 1, 2027, an infraction with a $35 fine. These infractions count towards suspension of fishing licenses and permits.
Check back here for updates about Mandatory Harvest Reporting.