Protected Resources Program
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) Protected Resources Program works to conserve protected marine species while supporting sustainable fisheries. The program administers North Carolina’s federal Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for Sea Turtles and Sturgeon by monitoring protected species interactions in certain gill-net fisheries and implementing conservation measures designed to minimize and mitigate impacts to threatened and endangered species. The program also represents the state on multiple federal take reduction teams.
The Observer Program is a key component of the Protected Resources Program, which collects biological, environmental, and fisheries data while monitoring certain gill-net fisheries for protected species interactions. These data are used to inform fisheries management decisions, support stock assessments and fishery management plans, monitor interactions with protected species, and ensure compliance with federal Incidental Take Permit (ITP) requirements.
Recent Updates (Updated June 16, 2026)
OTSS Updates
We are currently experiencing issues affecting automated selection notifications. Observers are directly notifying selected fishermen each Thursday to begin arranging trips. Should the call and/or text message go unanswered, fishermen have until 4:00 p.m. Friday to return the call and/or text message. Unselected fishermen will not be contacted; however, Marine Patrol is provided a list of confirmation numbers weekly and is able to look up confirmation numbers on-the-water. To request your confirmation number, please contact the Observer Program at 252-515-5625 during normal business hours. LINK: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/12/11/observer-trip-scheduling-system-technical-issue-affecting-automated-selection-notifications
General Updates
June 1 – The Estuarine Gill Net Permit has been codified in MFC Rule 15A NCAC 03O .0503(f). LINK: https://www.deq.nc.gov/marine-fisheries/rules-regulations/marine-fisheries-commission-rules/mfc-rulebook-supplement/open
Large-Mesh Gill Net Management Updates
Large-mesh gill nets are prohibited statewide.
Small-Mesh Gill Net Management Updates
| Management Unit | Update |
|---|---|
| Statewide | May – November gill-net attendance requirements are in effect. |
| A | Closed (Proclamation M-XX-2026) |
| B | Management Area B1 Open (Proclamation M-XX-2026) |
| C | Closed (Proclamation M-XX-2026) |
| D1 | Open (Proclamation M-XX-2026) |
| D2 | Open (Proclamation M-XX-2026) |
| E | Open (Proclamation M-XX-2026) |
About
The Protected Resources Program is responsible for implementing conservation measures required under North Carolina's Endangered Species Act Section 10 Incidental Take Permit (ITP). These measures include monitoring interactions with protected species through the Observer Program, implementing actions to avoid and minimize incidental take, mitigating the effects of authorized take, and working with commercial fishermen, resource managers, and federal partners to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.