Press Releases

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Striped Bass season will open April 1, 2026, in Tar-Pamlico and Neuse rivers

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries announces a one-month striped bass season will open April 2026 for parts of the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse rivers and their tributaries. The season will be open April 1–30 for both recreational and commercial fisheries.

Fisheries ask public to report cold stunned trout

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries wants to remind the public to report any cold stunned spotted seatrout they may see in North Carolina coastal waters.

Governor Stein, DEQ Announce $270 Million for Resilient Water Infrastructure Projects in Areas Damaged by Hurricane Helene

Governor Josh Stein today announced $270 million in awards to repair and strengthen the resilience of water systems in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Observer Trip Scheduling System technical issue affecting automated selection notifications

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Observer Trip Scheduling System (OTSS) is experiencing technical difficulties. As a result, some fishermen may not receive their Thursday selection notification with confirmation number(s) and/or the contact information for their assigned observer. Division staff are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, but there is no estimated time the system will be restored.

Recreational bag limit increases for bluefish on Jan. 1

There’s more bluefish in the sea! As a result, the bag limit for recreationally caught bluefish will increase on Jan. 1 in North Carolina Coastal Fishing Waters and Joint Fishing Waters.

Ribbon cut at $1.6M nature-based flood reduction project in Goldsboro’s Stoney Creek Watershed

Today, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Secretary Reid Wilson and DEQ’s Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of a project that reduces chronic flooding affecting businesses, roadways and access to emergency services in Gol

NC Flood Resiliency Blueprint awards $1.1M for flood resilience projects

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) Flood Resiliency Blueprint is partnering with the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF) to provide $1.1 million for three flood risk reduction projects located in Dunn, Clyde and Smithfield. 

REMINDER: State coastal agency extends comment period regarding Wilmington Harbor 403 Dredging Project to Dec. 20

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) continues to accept public comments through Dec. 20 on the review of a federal request to deepen and widen the Wilmington Harbor. The comment period for reviewing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District’s federal consistency determination for the proposed Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project, pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act, was originally open through Dec. 5.

State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Dec. 10 in Raleigh and via teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet in person in Raleigh and via teleconference (Webex) on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 9 am – 3 pm. The public may also listen to the meeting online or by phone.

NCDEQ launches Western NC Recovery Grants Program to support communities impacted by Hurricane Helene

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has launched the Western NC Recovery Grants Program to help communities affected by Hurricane Helene rebuild and secure long-term recovery funding.

Master Plan Update Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet Dec. 3 by Teleconference

The Master Plan Update Committee of the State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet via teleconference on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 10 am - 12 pm. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

Mandatory Harvest Reporting requirements effective today for both recreational and commercial fishermen

Today’s the day! Recreational fishermen must now report the harvest of Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, Weakfish and flounder, while those fishing commercially must report all harvest, even if that harvest is not sold. This requirement only applies to fish that are kept, not fish that are released.

North Carolina Secretaries’ Science Advisory Board to meet December 3

Officials join DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson to highlight coastal resilience efforts during Outer Banks tour

Officials from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) along with local, state, federal leaders and community partners, toured key sites across the Outer Banks this week to highlight ongoing coastal resilience projects and discuss strategies to address the region’s growing climate and flooding challenges. DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson was on hand to talk to local officials and tour damage at three sites of concern in Rodanthe and Buxton, where oceanfront homes have fallen into the ocean and additional structures are threatened, and at the Formerly Used Defense Site (FUDS).

NCDEQ Division of Marine Fisheries to hold public hearing on proposed shellfish leases in Carteret County Dec. 1

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries will hold a public hearing on proposed shellfish leases in Carteret County at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1. The hearing will be held in-person at the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Central District Office, 5285 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, and by Webex.