Estuarine Gill Net Permit (EGNP)

The Estuarine Gill Net Permit (EGNP) is a free non-transferrable permit issued by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) that allows both commercial and recreational fishermen to use certain gill nets in Internal Joint and Coastal (i.e., estuarine) Waters.  

The permit supports implementation of North Carolina's Endangered Species Act Section 10 Incidental Take Permit (ITP) by ensuring fishermen can arrange observed fishing trips and receive important program notifications. 

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This permit is required to use all commercial or recreational gill nets in estuarine waters EXCEPT the following exempted gill nets as described:

  • Runaround, strike or drop gill nets – gill nets that are actively fished by either (1) using the boat to run a net around a school of fish, creating a closed circle, or (2) using the boat after the net is set to herd fish into the net without delay, whereby soak time does not exceed 30 minutes from the end of the set to the beginning of the haul.
  • Drift gill nets – gill nets that are used to capture fish while being moved along by water currents whereby the net stays attached to the vessel from deployment though retrieval.

Recreational fishermen cannot harvest flounder using a gill net or any other commercial gear. 

The state’s federal Incidental Take Permit requires the NCDMF to identify all participants in the gill net fishery each year. The EGNP helps the Division not only meet this requirement but also aids in scheduling observed trips to monitor the fishery for protected species interactions. 

Permits are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. 

To fish non-exempt gill nets, commercial fishermen must hold a Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) or a Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License (RSCFL) and use a vessel with a Commercial Fishing Vessel Registration (CFVR) in addition to an EGNP. CLICK HERE for more information about commercial fishing licenses and CFVR. 

Recreational fishermen must hold a Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) and a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) in addition to an EGNP. 

You can download the application HERE or pick up a physical copy at NCDMF license offices in Manteo, Morehead City, Washington, and Wilmington: DMF OFFICE LOCATIONS

Applications may be submitted either in person or by mail to the address included the application. New applicants must provide a notarized signature. 

Fishermen who obtain or renew an Estuarine Gill Net Permit (EGNP) during the current license year should be aware that they are not be able to fish immediately.  

A valid EGNP is required to report planned fishing activity through the Observer Trip Scheduling System (OTSS), and OTSS requires fishermen to report their plans one week in advance of those plans. As a result, those who renew or receive their EGNP during the current license year must wait until the next available OTSS reporting period before fishing permitted gill nets. 

Click HERE to learn more about OTSS 

Permit holders must be familiar with and comply with all general and specific permit conditions included in the Estuarine Gill Net Permit (EGNP) application packet.

Permit conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Permit holders must allow authorized NCDMF staff to observe fishing activities conducted with covered gears and provide access to their vessel when selected for observation.
  • Permit holders may not obstruct, interfere with, harass, intimidate, or otherwise hinder an observer while performing official duties.
  • Permit holders must maintain current contact information and notify the Division of any changes within 14 calendar days.
  • Permit holders must comply with all requirements of the Observer Trip Scheduling System (OTSS) (LINK), including reporting planned fishing activity as required.
  • Permit holders must report any capture of a sea turtle or sturgeon within 24 hours by contacting the NCDMF at 252-515-5500 or 800-682-2632. Permit holders must also follow all protected species handling, release, and resuscitation procedures provided in the permit packet.
  • Interactions with protected species that are self-reported by permit holders do not count toward the authorized take limits established under North Carolina's Incidental Take Permit. 

Dave Ushakow 
Estuarine Gill Net Permit Coordinator 
David.Ushakow@deq.nc.gov 
252-515-5623 

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