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On Wednesday, May 1 at 6 p.m., the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a virtual online forum about temporary rules implementing mandatory harvest reporting requirements.

The two commissions are proposing temporary rules to implement mandatory requirements passed by the N.C. General Assembly in Session Law 2023-137, Section 6. The law requires that any person who recreationally harvests red drum, flounder, spotted seatrout or speckled trout, striped bass and weakfish or gray trout must report that harvest to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries. Additionally, it requires anyone holding a commercial fishing license who is engaged in a commercial fishing operation to report all fish harvested to Marine Fisheries regardless of sale.

The requirement starts December 1 and applies to Coastal Fishing Waters, Joint Fishing Waters and Inland Fishing Waters adjacent to Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters.

The agencies host the virtual forum at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1. Pre-register for the forum online. Pre-registration is required. To join by phone call 833-568-8864. The webinar ID is 160 805 6277.

Comments on the Marine Fisheries Commission rules may be submitted through an online form or by mail to: N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission Rules Comments, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557.

Comments on the Wildlife Resources Commission rule may be submitted through an online form, emailing regulations@ncwildlife.org (include name, county and state or residence) or by mailing: Rulemaking Coordinator, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1701 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1700

The comment period closes at 5 p.m. on May 20, 2024.

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