Press Releases

State certifies new state record Graysby Grouper that may be a world record

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified a new state record Graysby Grouper (Cephalopholis cruentata) that may also be a world record.

Edward J. Tait of Little River, S.C. caught the 3-pound, 0.8-ounce fish offshore of Ocean Isle Beach on June 30.

Marine Fisheries Division encourages anglers to donate Red Snapper carcasses to science

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries will collect Red Snapper carcasses from recreational fishermen during the upcoming Red Snapper-mini season.

MEDIA ADVISORY: State Water Infrastructure Authority to meet July 13 and July 14 in Raleigh and by teleconference

The State Water Infrastructure Authority will meet Wednesday, July 13, at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, July 14 at 9:00 a.m. at the Steve Troxler Agricultural Sciences Center in Raleigh. The public may listen to the meeting online or by phone.

One amended, readopted fisheries rule takes effect July 1

One newly amended marine fisheries rule will go into effect July 1. The change clarifies definitions and formalizes procedures for transferring ownership or subleasing of a shellfish lease.

Water quality swimming advisory issued for ocean-side site in Brunswick County

An advisory against swimming was posted today at an ocean-side site in Brunswick County, where state recreational water quality officials found bacteria levels in the water that exceed the state’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s recreational water quality standards.

DEQ issues digester system general permits

The Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Water Resources (DWR) has issued digester system general permits for qualified animal feeding operations. The general digester permits were developed following a comprehensive stakeholder and public engagement process and thorough review of public comments. These general permits are in effect through September 2024.

REMINDER: 2022 Shellfish lease application period ends Aug. 1

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding potential shellfish lease applicants that the 2022 application period ends Aug. 1.

Grant money available for transient recreational boating facilities

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries is accepting proposals for the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program for federal fiscal year 2023.

New interactive tool shows maps pertaining to marine fisheries rules; it’s the latest application added to geospatial hub on website

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has launched a new interactive mapping tool to assist the public with finding and using maps associated with rules.

Tagging Program rewards participants in annual $100 drawing

Fifteen lucky participants won $100 each in a yearly drawing held by the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries’ Multi-Species Tagging Program.