News Releases
For immediate information contact: Patricia Smith at 252-808-8025 or via email: Tricia.Smith@ncdenr.gov
NOTE: If you cannot send an email by clicking on the email link, copy the email address and then paste it into the "To" line of your email program. Make sure to fill in the subject line to indicate the news item you are requesting.
News release archives can be found here
To subscribe to Marine Fisheries news release and public meeting notice emails click here
2016 News Releases By Headline
SEPTEMBER 2016
Recreational cobia season closes Friday
State accepting comments on proposed Pamlico County shellfish lease
Standard Commercial Fishing License Criteria Committee meeting scheduled
Council Approves Measures to Extend Atlantic Cobia Season; End Overfishing for Hogfish; harvest of red snapper
Gene Maready named Marine Patrol Officer of the Year
Bacterial levels at most ocean beaches in state meet recreational water quality standards
Excessive rains may cause pollution in ocean and sound-side swimming waters
AUGUST 2016
Commercial Harvest of Blueline Tilefish in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Will Close on August 30, 2016
Fisheries commission accelerates review of blue crab, estuarine striped bass plans
Trip Limit Decreased to 500 Pounds per Trip for Commercial Harvest of Vermilion Snapper in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic
New state Artificial Reef Guide, interactive website ready for fishermen to use
Public Hearing scheduled on proposed shellfish lease in New Hanover County
Division of Marine Fisheries’ Standard Commercial Fishing License Eligibility Board to meet
State will hold meetings regarding new flounder reporting requirements for pound net fishermen
State Marine Fisheries Commission to meet Aug. 17-19 in Raleigh
Dean Nelson to lead Marine Patrol
New state record scamp may take world record title
State fisheries division rescinds Flounder Pound Net Dealer Permit requirement
JULY 2016
State urges fishermen to learn the difference between king mackerel and Spanish mackerel
Council Solicits Public Input on Proposed Measures for Atlantic Cobia and Mutton Snapper Plus Options for Allocation of Dolphin and Yellowtail Snapper
Meetings to explain new flounder permit and reporting requirements postponed
Public hearing scheduled for Jarrett Bay water column lease
Elizabeth City and Washington fishery license offices may experience temporary closures
Grant money available for transient recreational boating facilities
State will hold meetings regarding new flounder permit and reporting requirements
State certifies new state record for pigfish
NOAA Fisheries Announces New Regulations for Blueline Tilefish, Black Sea Bass, and Yellowtail Snapper in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic
One species reclassified in 2016 Stock Status Report
JUNE 2016
State certifies new record skipjack tuna
Coastal recreational fishermen hooked more fish in 2015
Commercial seafood landings increased last year (Updated June 30, 2016)
Sea Turtle Advisory Committee meeting set
Marine Fisheries to hold public meeting on proposed new reef near Oregon Inlet
Public comments sought on new oyster sanctuary/fishing reef in Hyde County
NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comments on Proposed Management Changes to Black Sea Bass, Blueline Tilefish, and Yellowtail Snapper
State Seeks Applicants for Coastal Recreational Fishing License Fund Projects
MAY 2016
Marine Fisheries adds public comment to Joint Law Enforcement Agreement Advisory Group meeting agenda
Marine Fisheries Commission adopts stricter blue crab regulations
NOAA Fisheries Announces the Closure of the Commercial Fisheries for Blacknose Sharks and Non-Blacknose Small Coastal Sharks
Commercial Harvest of Gray Triggerfish in South Atlantic Federal Waters will Reopen on June 13, 2016
Commercial Harvest of Blueline Tilefish in South Atlantic Federal Waters Will Close on June 1, 2016
Recreational cobia regulations go into effect Monday
Joint Law Enforcement Agreement Advisory Group Meeting Set
Recreational black sea bass season reopens May 15 North of Cape Hatteras
State Marine Fisheries Commission to meet next week in Morehead City
APRIL 2016
Striped bass season closing tomorrow in some waters of the state
State marine fisheries agency to memorialize former artificial reef coordinator by sinking two vessels
CORRECTION: Changes name of reef in second graph
North Carolina sees big returns with coastal habitat programs
State marine fisheries agency to memorialize former artificial reef coordinator by sinking two vessels
State fisheries agency conducting economic and social survey with commercial fishermen
Elizabeth City and Washington license offices closing for lunch
Director of state coastal division named to lead state fisheries division
Councils to Hold a Q&A Public Meeting on Cobia Management
Fishermen win big in Tagging Program drawing
State certifies new North Carolina record for false albacore
