Aquaculture Operation Permit

What Activities Require This Permit? Aquaculture operations utilizing marine and estuarine species not required to be permitted by the Wildlife Resources Commission. 

What Is The Purpose of This Permit? To identify individuals conducting aquaculture operations, which allow for the transport and sale of hatchery or aquaculture operation products that do not meet size or bag limits.

Who Issues This Permit? N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), Resource Enhancement Section.
 
How Much Will This Permit Cost? No cost.

Where Can I Get The Application For This Permit? N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Resource Enhancement Section, Morehead City office.

 How Long Will It Take To Review My Application? Up to four weeks.

Where Do I Submit My Application? N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, Resource Enhancement Section, 3441 Arendell Street, PO Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557-0769.

How Long Is My Permit or License or Certificate Valid? Permits expire on Dec. 31 each year.

Notes/Comments: A DMF biologist will make a site visit to review the operation prior to issuance of this permit.  In order to permit immediate determination of the point of origin and ultimate destination of aquaculture products, specific information must be provided on a tag or label for all containers of hatchery or aquaculture operation products that do not meet size or bag limits.
 
Legal Authority/Statute Reference: General Statute 113-169.1; NC Fisheries Rules for Coastal Waters 15A NCAC 030.0503(f).

Link: http://www.ncdmf.net/

Statewide Contact Information:
NC Division of Marine Fisheries
Resource Enhancement Section 
3441 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
Telephone: (252) 726-7021 or 1-800-682-2632