Changes to 18 Marine Fisheries Commission rules took effect today. Five of these rules focus on data collection and harassment prevention to conserve marine and estuarine resources, while another rule aims to streamline the administration of shellfish leases. The remaining changes remove outdated requirements and make minor adjustments.
The Marine Fisheries Commission adopted these rules in May 2024, but they required legislative review before implementation, as outlined in G.S. 14-4.1.
Amendments to 15A NCAC 03I .0113 enhance protections for DEQ Division of Marine Fisheries employees against verbal, physical, or sexual harassment during data collection activities related to marine and estuarine resources and shellfish sanitation health and safety. Related amendments (15A NCAC 03O .0101, .0109, .0112, .0301) reinforce the requirement for fishermen to cooperate with data collection programs. These changes aim to ensure participation by those engaged in regulated fishing activities and provide a safer working environment for Division employees.
Regarding shellfish leases, amendments to rule 15A NCAC 03O .0201 require leaseholders to meet specific production, marking, and permit criteria for additional acreage eligibility. This is intended to promote efficient use of public trust areas. Repeals of certain regulations (15A NCAC 03K .0104, .0401, .0403, and .0405) along with amendments (15A NCAC 03I .0101, 03K .0101, .0301, 03O .0201, .0501, .0503, 18A .0901, and .0906) eliminate outdated requirements following the discontinuation of the Division Polluted Area Shellfish Relay Program in 2024.
For commercial shellfish sanitation procedures (15A NCAC 18A .0302), amendments clarify information needed on permit applications and update language for consistency with current rules.
The full text of these rules is available in the March 24, 2025 Supplement to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rulebook at https://deq.nc.gov/DMF-Rules.
Inquiries about these regulations can be directed via email to Catherine Blum, the rules coordinator for the Division of Marine Fisheries.
