Topics Related to Marine Fisheries

Applications open for 2025 shellfish lease program

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has opened the 2025 application period for the state’s shellfish lease and aquaculture program. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 1 from individuals, businesses, and partnerships interested in leasing public coastal waters to farm oysters or clams.

Spotted Seatrout season to reopen with new management measures

North Carolina’s Spotted Seatrout fishery will reopen to recreational and commercial harvest in joint and coastal waters on July 1, 2025, following a cold stun closure. Upon reopening of the fishery, new management from Amendment 1 to the Spotted Seatrout Fishery Management Plan will be implemented.

Marine Fisheries to Implement Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact

Starting July 1, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will implement requirements of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Act ("Act") for marine and estuarine fisheries violations, as directed by the N.C. General Assembly. The Act provides reciprocal recognition of license suspensions with participating states.

Marine Fisheries Commission amends Oyster, Clam fishery management plans

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission amended the state’s Eastern Oyster and Hard Clam fishery management plans at its business meeting this week.

State certifies White Trevally for new species state record

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) recently established a new state record for White Trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex).

Marine Fisheries Commission to meet May 21-23 in Beaufort

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet May 21-23 at the Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, N.C. 28516. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Marine Fisheries Commission Quarterly Business Meeting

Meeting Agenda

Public Comment Period for May 2025 Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet May 21-23 at the Beaufort Hotel, 2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort, N.C. 28516. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.

REMINDER: Division of Marine Fisheries urges fishermen to complete license/permit renewals early

NCDEQ’s Division of Marine Fisheries is urging those who hold commercial fishing, seafood dealer and for-hire licenses and permits to go ahead and renew those licenses and permits this month.

State certifies new Vermilion Snapper state record

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries recently established a new state record for Vermilion Snapper (Rhomboplites aurorubens).