Source: NCDEQ, 3/23/21
Changes to two marine fisheries rules are now in effect. One of
the rules pertains to tarpon and the other to the transfer of Standard and
Retired Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses. Marine Fisheries Commission rule 15A NCAC 03M .0509, as now
amended, prohibits the possession of tarpon and makes it illegal to gaff,
spear, or puncture tarpon by any method other than hook and line. Rule 15A NCAC 03O .0108, as now amended, clarifies the
circumstances under which transfers of Standard and Retired Standard Commercial
Fishing Licenses are allowed, including the following changes: 1. Adds grandparents, grandchildren, and legal
guardians to the list of immediate family members eligible to receive a
transferred license. 2. Codifies the existing requirement of a
certification statement from the transferee that affirms the information
provided to the division is true and accurate. 3. Allows an individual license holder to
transfer the license to a business in which the license holder is also an
owner. 4. Allows a business that is dissolved to transfer
a license to an individual owner of the business. 5. Allows a business that is sold to transfer a
license to the successor business at the time of sale. 6. Allows a business to transfer a license back
to an owner who is leaving the business if the owner originally held the
license as an individual. 7. Restricts business transfers to corporations
and limited liability companies. 8. Defines “owner” to include shareholder of a corporation and member of a limited liability company. Specific wording of the amended rules in their entirety can be found in the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission Rules April 1, 2020 – Supplement – March 17, 2021 on the Division of Marine Fisheries Rules and Regulations webpage.
The Division of Marine Fisheries received official notification on March 22
that the rules became effective on March 17, 2021.
The Marine Fisheries Commission approved the rules in February
2020 after a public comment period in the fall of 2019; however, both rules
were subject to legislative review under various statutes, which delayed the
effective date. For more information, contact Catherine Blum (catherine.blum@ncdenr.gov), rules coordinator for the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, at 252-808-8014.
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