North Carolina adopts 18 new marine fisheries rules

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On March 24, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission implemented 18 new rules designed to enhance the management and conservation of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. These changes encompass improvements in data collection, harassment prevention, and the administration of shellfish leases.

Five of the newly adopted rules focus on bolstering data collection efforts and safeguarding Division of Marine fisheries employees from harassment during field activities, according to Island Free Press. Amendments expand protections against verbal, physical, or sexual harassment that staff may encounter while collecting vital data on marine and estuarine resources. Additional revisions to rules reinforce the obligation of fishermen to cooperate with data collection programs, emphasizing the critical role of accurate data in resource conservation.

To promote the efficient use of public trust waters, amendments now require shellfish leaseholders to meet specific production, marking, and permit criteria before acquiring additional lease acreage. This measure ensures that leased areas are utilized effectively and responsibly.

Reflecting the discontinuation of the Division’s Polluted Area Shellfish Relay Program in 2024, several outdated requirements have been repealed or amended. Specifically, the repeal of 15A NCAC 03K .0104, .0401, .0403, and .0405, along with modifications to 15A NCAC 03I .0101, 03K .0101, .0301, 03O .0201, .0501, .0503, 18A .0901, and .0906, align regulations with current practices and eliminate obsolete provisions.

Amendments to 15A NCAC 18A .0302 have been introduced to clarify the information required on commercial shellfish permit applications. These changes aim to streamline the application process and ensure consistency across related regulations.

The full text of rule changes is available under the Supplement to the 2020 N.C. The Marine Fisheries Commission Rulebook can be found here.

For further questions about the rules, please email Catherine Blum, Rules Coordinator for the Division of Marine Fisheries at Catherine.Blum@deq.nc.gov.