Press Release
Read the official press release for this event
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- Thomas Peralto Petition — Challenge to Proposed Shellfish Lease 24-007BL/24-008WC
- Merleon Creech Petition — Challenge to Proposed Shellfish Lease 24-005BL/24-006WC
- Corey McMahon Petition — Challenge to Proposed Shellfish Lease 24-005BL/24-006WC
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries held a meeting of the Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the Division’s Central District Office, 5285 U.S. 70 West, Morehead City.
The committee considered three third-party hearing requests submitted under N.C. General Statute 113-202(g), each challenging the Division Director’s April 15 approval of proposed shellfish leases. The in-person hearing was open to the public but did not include an opportunity for public comment.
Committee members heard oral arguments from each petitioner, Division staff, and lease applicant. After presentations concluded, the committee deliberated and voted on each challenge.
A public hearing for each lease was held on Mar. 13, 2025.
Hearing Details
Thomas Peralto Petition — Challenge to Proposed Shellfish Lease 24-007BL / 24-008WC
Petitioner: Thomas Peralto
Respondent: NC DEQ – Division of Marine Fisheries
Counsel for Respondent: Phillip T. Reynolds, Special Deputy AG; Sarah G. Zambon, Assistant Attorney General
Meeting Materials
| Document Type | Download | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Petition | Download PDF | 06/23/2025 |
| Staff Recommendation | Download PDF | 06/23/2025 |
| Record of Decision | Download PDF | 07/23/2025 |
Merleon Creech Petition — Challenge to Proposed Shellfish Lease 24-005BL / 24-006WC
Petitioner: Merleon Creech
Respondent: NC DEQ – Division of Marine Fisheries
Counsel for Respondent: Phillip T. Reynolds, Special Deputy AG; Sarah G. Zambon, Assistant Attorney General
Meeting Materials
| Document Type | Download | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Petition | Download PDF | 06/23/2025 |
| Staff Recommendation | Download PDF | 06/23/2025 |
| Record of Decision | Download PDF | (to be posted) |
Corey McMahon Petition — Challenge to Proposed Shellfish Lease 24-005BL / 24-006WC
Petitioner: Corey McMahon
Respondent: NC DEQ – Division of Marine Fisheries
Counsel for Respondent: Phillip T. Reynolds, Special Deputy AG; Sarah G. Zambon, Assistant Attorney General
Meeting Materials
| Document Type | Download | Date Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Petition | Download PDF | 06/23/2025 |
| Staff Recommendation | Download PDF | 06/23/2025 |
| Record of Decision | Download PDF | (to be posted) |