Press Releases

REMINDER: Fisheries ask public to report cold stunned trout

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries wants to remind the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

Public comment period opens on draft air permit for proposed sawmill in Halifax County

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality seeks public comment on a draft permit for Roseburg Forest Products to construct and operate a new lumber sawmill in Halifax County. Public comment will be accepted until February 17, 2022.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board to meet

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board will meet by teleconference at 10:30 a.m. April 7. The board will consider license applications that are deemed complete and submitted by February 21.

Saltwater Fishing Tournament extends 2021 application deadline

Anglers who want to commemorate that big saltwater fishing catch in 2021 have a couple of extra weeks this year to apply for a citation from the N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament.

New aquaculture permit conditions facilitate cultivation of more finfish species

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has modified aquaculture permit conditions to facilitate the cultivation of more finfish species in upland facilities by exempting these operations from size and possession limits.

REMINDER: State Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Plan to Administer American Rescue Plan Act’s State Fiscal Recovery Funding

REMINDER: State Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Plan to Administer American Rescue Plan Act’s State Fiscal Recovery Funding (deadline: Jan. 12, 2022)

Upcoming southern flounder meetings converted to web conference only

Due to increased cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina, three upcoming Marine Fisheries Commission advisory committee meetings will be held by web conference only.

2021 DEQ Year in Review

RALEIGH – This year, the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) took key actions to protect the environment and health of all North Carolinians and to address the impacts of climate change. “DEQ is committed to protecting the resources and people of our state,” said Secretary Elizabeth S. Biser. “We look forward to the opportunities in the year ahead to help communities replace aging infrastructure, improve air and water quality and build a more resilient North Carolina.”

State submits Volkswagen Settlement Phase 2 Plan to Trustee

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality has submitted the Volkswagen Mitigation Plan for Phase 2 of the state’s share of a national settlement with the automaker. 

State coastal management program offers guidance for recycling natural Christmas trees as sand fencing

As the holiday season winds down, the N.C. Division of Coastal Management is providing guidance to property owners, organizations and towns that plan to accept natural Christmas trees for use in dune restoration and/or beach sand fencing. Natural Christmas trees may be used for sand fencing but must be free of decorations and should be placed in a manner that meets the State’s rules for sand fencing.