Press Releases

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Marine Fisheries Commission asks to reopen Southern Flounder Plan; Fisheries Director aligns flounder regulations with Wildlife rules in Joint Fishing Waters

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) wants to look at ways to allow more recreational access to flounder fishing in the future.

From Sound to Satellite: New Red Drum Tagging Study Launches in Pamlico Sound

As North Carolina’s state saltwater fish, the Red Drum is not only a popular target for anglers but also a species of significant economic importance. While annual data supports these claims, several key questions remain unanswered: Where do Red Drum spawn? How far do they travel? How often do they pass through the ocean inlets, and do they head north to Virginia or make their way beyond South Carolina?

Marine Fisheries Commission to meet Aug. 21-23 in Raleigh

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in person Aug. 21-23 at the Hilton Raleigh North Hills, in Raleigh. The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube.

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. Oct. 22. The board will consider license applications that are deemed complete and submitted by Oct. 1.

Division of Marine Fisheries sinks tugboat on artificial reef off Cape Lookout

The N.C. DEQ Division of Marine Fisheries’ Artificial Reef Program sank a tugboat, Thomas Dann, on Aug 1 at AR-305, off Cape Lookout.

Division of Marine Fisheries releases annual Fishery Management Plan Review

Want to know what the latest data says about Spotted Seatrout, Blue Crab or Southern Flounder in North Carolina? Find out by reading the DEQ Division of Marine Fisheries’ (DMF) 2023 Fishery Management Plan Review, released today.