Topics Related to Marine Fisheries

Division of Marine Fisheries accepting Gulf Flounder carcass donations; participants may win prizes

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will collect Gulf Flounder carcasses from recreational fishermen during the 2026 spring season, held March 9-22 in ocean waters from Portsmouth Island to the South Carolina line. The carcasses will be used for research purposes.

REMINDER: Sheepshead regulations to change March 1

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding fishermen that Sheepshead regulations will change for both recreational and commercial fisheries beginning March 1. The Division is implementing changes because of increases in sheepshead harvest, particularly juvenile fish, in recent years.

Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee Meeting

March 18, 2026, 6pm - 8pm

The Habitat and Water Quality Advisory Committee will meet at 6 p.m. on March 18 to discuss the 2026 Amendment to the Coastal Habitat Protection Plan.

Shellfish/Crustacean Advisory Committee Meeting

March 17, 2026, 6pm - 8pm

The Shellfish/Crustacean Advisory committee will meet on March 17 to discuss upcoming fishery management plans. 

Finfish Advisory Committee Meeting

March 12, 2026, 6pm - 8pm

The Finfish Advisory committee will meet on March 12, 2026 to discuss upcoming fishery management plans.

Northern Regional Advisory Committee Meeting

March 10, 2026, 6pm - 8pm
The Northern Regional Advisory committee will meet on March 10, 2026

Marine Fisheries Commission proposes five-fish recreational bag limit for draft Atlantic Bonito rule

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission took a step toward state management of Atlantic Bonito, including a five-fish recreational bag limit in draft rule language. The vote occurred at the Commission’s quarterly business meeting this week.

“Lines of Communication” meetings rescheduled

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has rescheduled the Lines of Communication meetings in North Carolina that were postponed due to inclement weather in early February.

Carteret County Shellfish Lease Hearing - March 31, 2026

March 31, 2026, 6pm - 7pm
The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries held a public hearing on a proposed shellfish bottom and water column lease in Carteret County on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office, 5285 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Pamlico County Shellfish Lease Hearing - March 24, 2026

March 24, 2026, 6pm - 7pm

This hearing was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
 

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries held a public hearing on a proposed shellfish bottom and water column lease in Pamlico County on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Pamlico County Courthouse, 202 Main St, Bayboro, NC 28515. The hearing concerned the proposed shellfish lease application listed below.