Press Releases

New commercial weekend closures and recreational possession limits for striped mullet will take effect Monday, June 24, to implement Amendment 2 to the Striped Mullet Fishery Management Plan, adopted by the Marine Fisheries Commission in May.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is accepting public comment and will hold a public hearing on a draft air quality permit for Moriah Energy Center, a planned liquid natural gas storage facility in Person County owned and operated by Dominion Energy North Carolina.The in-person public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 1. Public comments will be accepted until Aug. 2.

The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission (CRC) Science Panel is scheduled to meet via web conference on June 27 at 1 p.m. to continue its review of Inlet Hazard Area boundaries. The public may listen to the meetings by computer or phone. DCM is accepting public comments on the Coastal Resources Commission Science Panel’s draft Sea Level Rise update. Public comments will be accepted until July 3, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) announced the availability of more than $40 million in funding through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Coastal Zone Management Habitat Protection and Restoration Competition for habitat restoration and conservation projects.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) awarded $1.14 million in grants to seven local governments and organizations to support stream restoration, water-based recreation and water management projects.

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) is awarding more than $10.5 million for seven projects in coastal North Carolina for beach and dune renourishment, as well as other projects related to hurricane and storm damage.  

Coastal Recreational Fishing License fees will increase July 1. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC), which administers the recreational fishing license sales system for the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), announced last week that it will increase hunting, fishing, trapping and activity licenses, permits, stamps and certifications

Changes to three Marine Fisheries Commission rules became effective today, but there will be no impact to fishermen because they simply codify existing practices or regulations already implemented by proclamation.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Energy, Mineral, and Land Resources (DEMLR) has approved International Tie, LLC’s application for a stormwater discharge permit (NCS000613) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified three state record fish – a near world record size Yellowmouth Grouper, a White Grunt and an Almaco Jack.