Mandatory Harvest Reporting - Recreational
Beginning December 1, 2025, all recreational fishermen in North Carolina are required to report the harvest of certain finfish to the Division of Marine Fisheries as required by state law.
What species must be reported?
How do I report?
Report Your Harvest Using the Online Form
Recreational fishermen are encouraged to report electronically using the online Mandatory Harvest Reporting webform. However, for those who don't have the ability to report electronically, the Division has developed a paper report card. To learn how to report using the paper report card, please see the Paper Report Card page.
When do I report?
If reporting using the online webform, reporting is required at the time the fishing trip is completed.
- If fishing from a boat, this is when the fish reach the shore/dock.
- If shore based, this is once you are no longer actively fishing and your gear is stowed away.
If reporting using the paper report card, fishermen have until midnight the day following completion of the trip to report online.
What do I report?
Whether you choose to report electronically or use the paper report card, the information you must report is the same.
- Fishing license number or full name and zip code of residence
- Date of harvest
- Number of each of the five species caught and kept
- Area where the fish were harvested (see the Interactive Map to identify the waterbody you were fishing in)
- Type of gear used (e.g., hook and line or gig)
Please note: fish that are released should not be reported.
Where does this requirement apply?
Recreational fishermen who harvest any of the five species from Coastal Fishing Waters, Joint Fishing Waters, or Inland Fishing Waters adjacent to Coastal or Joint Fishing Waters are required to report. Please see the Interactive Map for specific information about where reporting is required.
View the Interactive Mandatory Harvest Reporting Areas Map
Enforcement
Session Law 2023-137 includes the following phased-in approach for enforcement
| Date Range | Enforcement Phase |
|---|---|
| Dec. 1, 2025 – Nov. 30, 2026 | Verbal warnings for non-reporting |
| Dec. 1, 2026 – Nov. 30, 2027 | Written warnings for non-reporting |
| Dec. 1, 2027 and beyond | Infractions may result in a $35 fine and repeated violations may affect license eligibility * |
| *It's important to note that the infraction and resulting $35 fine will also include associated court costs. | |
Questions
If you have questions about reporting, please email HarvestReporting@deq.nc.gov or call 252-515-5515.