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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - Commercial License Standard

Marine Fisheries

Standard Commercial Fishing License

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The Standard Commercial Fishing License is an annual license for commercial fishermen who harvest and sell fish, shrimp, crab or any marine species, except menhaden, and shellfish. To harvest menhaden and shellfish, fishermen must elect endorsements to their Standard Commercial Fishing License, or purchase a Shellfish License. To be eligible for this license, an individual or business must have a current/valid Standard or Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License for the previous license year. This license can be transferred and assigned. A commercial fishing vessel registration will be required for fishermen who use boats to harvest seafood. Fishermen holding this license can only sell their catch to a licensed fish dealer.

Cost

  

$200

North Carolina residents

$800

Nonresidents; or the amount charged to a North Carolina resident in the 
nonresident's state, whichever is less. In no event may the fee be less than $200

No Cost

Shellfish endorsement (North Carolina individual residents only)

$2 per Gross Ton
of Mothership

Menhaden endorsement

Expiration Date

June 30 of each year

Note: If you do not possess a Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses or Retired Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses you may apply for one through the eligibility pool. Licenses are distributed to persons meeting established criteria, including past involvement in commercial fishing, degree of reliance on commercial fishing and other factors. 

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632

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