Press Releases

MEDIA ADVISORY: Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee to meet

The N.C. Coastal Habitat Protection Plan Steering Committee will meet by web conference at 1 p.m. Oct. 25.

The public may join the meeting online or by telephone.

Tips for a healthy oyster eating; Hand harvest from public bottom begins Friday

Nothing says fall on the coast of North Carolina like the beginning of oyster season, when people pull out the fire grates and steamer pots and get ready to slurp down a salty treat.

Division of Marine Fisheries reminds aquaculture operators that permits are required

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding anyone conducting or interested in aquaculture operations that permits are required for different activities, and they are available at no cost.

REMINDER: DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Comment period opens, public hearing scheduled for various marine fisheries rules

The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is accepting public comment on proposed amendments and re-adoption of 109 rules under a state-mandated periodic review schedule.

Division of Marine Fisheries to temporarily close Elizabeth City office to license sales Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries announced today the temporary closure of license sales through the Elizabeth City Office will go into effect on Oct.

DEQ accepting public comment on Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan amendment

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is accepting public comment on the Draft Coastal Habitat Protection Plan 2021 Amendment and Appendix.

REMINDER: Application period for CARES Act II Fisheries Relief Program closes Oct. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding those who wish to apply for assistance from the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (CARES Act II) Fisheries Relief Program that they must do so by Oct. 1. The financial assistance is available to eligible commercial fishermen and marine aquaculture operators, seafood dealers and processors, and for-hire fishing operators who can document a greater than 35% revenue loss in 2020 compared to the previous five-year average due to COVID-19.

State certifies new state record golden tilefish

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has certified a new state record golden tilefish.

Recreational striped bass season opens Oct. 1 in the Albemarle Sound Management Area

The recreational striped bass season in the Albemarle Sound Management Area will open for a fall season on Oct. 1 with a daily possession limit of one fish per person per day.