Coastal Recreational Fishing License funds boating access sites

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Coastal Recreational Fishing License grant program works with government agencies, such as local municipalities or the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to provide funding for public boating area access points.

The Division grants Coastal Recreational Fishing License funds in accordance with the strategic plan to enhance coastal public fishing access and angling opportunities. Although Coastal Recreational Fishing License funds are sometimes used to construct new boating access areas, that is not always the case. In the past, for example, Wildlife Resources Commission has also applied for and been awarded grant funds to make existing coastal boating access areas compliant with the American Disabilities Act. Or in the case of the West Onslow Boating Access Area, the reconstruction of a popular ramp near North Topsail Beach occurred through the Coastal Recreational Fishing License grant program.

The project was a renovation of the existing Wildlife Resources Commission’s West Onslow Boating Access Area. Two floating docks were installed to include one 40-foot floating dock at the new ramp, with an additional 40-foot dock at the old ramp. This allows coastal anglers and boaters additional space to board and disembark.

Parking lot renovations included 18 trailer spaces, six single vehicle spaces, one Americans with Disabilities Act compliant van-accessible trailer space and a tie down lane. Also included in the renovations were new signage and solar lighting.

Funding for the project came from a $300,000 Coastal Recreational Fishing License grant, in which $209,000 was spent to provide fishermen increased access to coastal fisheries resources. The remaining funds will revert back to the Marine Resources Fund to provide future opportunities to manage, protect, develop, cultivate, conserve, and enhance the marine resources of North Carolina.