Topics Related to NCDENR

Marine Fisheries Commission seeks advisers

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and other interested parties to sit on various fisheries advisory committees.

Two regional advisory committees – Northern and Southern – and three standing advisory committees – Finfish, Habitat and Water Quality, and Shellfish/Crustacean – review matters referred to them by the commission, such as draft fishery management plans. Committees may also bring fisheries issues pertaining to their region or subject matter to the commission’s attention.

Recreational striped bass season opens Oct. 1 in the Albemarle Sound Management Area

The recreational striped bass season in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will open for a fall season on Oct. 1 with a daily possession limit of one fish per person per day.

State certifies new state record golden tilefish

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has certified a new state record golden tilefish.

REMINDER: Application period for CARES Act II Fisheries Relief Program closes Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding those who wish to apply for assistance from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CARES Act II) Fisheries Relief Program that they must do so by Oct. 1. The financial assistance is available to eligible commercial fishermen and marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors, and for-hire fishing operators who can document a greater than 35% revenue loss in 2020 compared to the previous five-year average due to COVID-19.

DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

Division of Marine Fisheries to temporarily close Elizabeth City office to license sales Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries announced today the temporary closure of license sales through the Elizabeth City Office will go into effect on Oct. 1 and will continue until further notice. 

REMINDER: DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

Division of Marine Fisheries reminds aquaculture operators that permits are required

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding anyone conducting or interested in aquaculture operations that permits are required for different activities, and they are available at no cost.

Public Hearing to be held Nov. 3 on updated Groundwater rules and standards

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Division of Water Resources (DWR) will hold a public hearing on proposed amendments to the state’s Groundwater Classifications and Standards, known as rule 15A NCAC 02L .0100 – General Considerations. The hearing will be held via Webex from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021.

The purpose of this public hearing is to allow interested persons to submit oral comments regarding the DWR’s proposed amendments to Permanent Rules 15A NCAC 02L .0100, which govern the protection of North Carolina’s groundwater resources.

RELEASE: DAQ assesses penalty of over $300,000 for Chemours Violations

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) has assessed $305,611 in penalties in the recent enforcement action against Chemours for exceeding the facility wide GenX annual air emissions limit.