The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is set to implement the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Act on July 1, 2025. This move follows directives from the N.C. General Assembly and will affect marine and estuarine fisheries violations. The Act facilitates reciprocal recognition of license suspensions among participating states.
In March 2025, the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission adopted proposed rules, which received approval from the Rules Review Commission in May 2025. These regulations will apply to violations committed within North Carolina or any other state that is part of the compact starting from July 1, 2025.
The Act’s definition of “wildlife” encompasses all animal species protected and regulated by both the Commission and the Division. It aims to ensure fair treatment for non-residents with wildlife resources violations, including those related to fishing. According to a statement, “The adoption of these rules allows the Division to hold wildlife violators accountable and treat them the same, regardless of their state residency.”
Detailed information about these rules can be accessed in the June 1, 2025 Supplement to the 2020 N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rulebook at https://deq.nc.gov/DMF-Rules.
For further inquiries regarding these regulations, Catherine Blum, rules coordinator for the Division of Marine Fisheries, can be contacted via email.
