The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission has approved an early shift in the allocation of southern flounder between commercial and recreational fisheries. The decision, made at this week’s business meeting, adopts Amendment 4 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan.
Under Amendment 4, the transition to a 50/50 quota split between commercial and recreational sectors will occur in 2025 instead of 2026 as previously planned. This change increases the recreational sector’s total allowable landings by 25% compared to the previous 60/40 split, shifting an additional 53,000 pounds from commercial to recreational fishers for the upcoming year.
Despite this increase in quota for recreational fishers, there will be no extension of the current season length, which remains scheduled for September 1-14. The commission stated that “it will reduce the risk of recreational catch overages in the fishery this year, which would be subtracted from the next year’s quota.”
The Division of Marine Fisheries is also developing Amendment 5 to address broader management issues for southern flounder. During discussions, commissioners raised topics such as separating southern flounder management from that of Gulf and Summer Flounder and ensuring fair allocation among different types of fishing gear and regions.
In addition to flounder management, staff presented data on striped bass harvest closures and gill net bans above ferry lines in the Neuse and Tar/Pamlico rivers. According to their analysis, these measures have not led to increased striped bass populations despite ongoing stocking programs.
Based on existing adaptive management policies under Amendment 2 to the Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan, new strategies are being developed: “The harvest management strategy will focus harvest on stocked fish in the Neuse and Tar/Pamlico rivers but limit harvest of Albemarle-Roanoke Striped Bass that occasionally occur in these rivers.” With certain gill net restrictions set to expire at year-end, regulations will revert to previous requirements related to tie-downs and distance from shore.
A public meeting regarding future striped bass harvest plans is scheduled before November’s commission meeting; details will be announced later.
The commission also received a report highlighting growing concerns about increased fishing pressure on sheepshead stocks. Officials plan a series of public meetings this fall with stakeholders before considering any regulatory changes.
Other actions taken during the meeting include requesting draft rules for a five-fish per person bag limit for Atlantic Bonito for consideration at November’s quarterly session; setting an annual cap of 500 commercial fishing licenses available through the Eligibility Pool; planning a letter urging state lawmakers to support funding needs for marine fisheries resource protection; and electing Commissioner Sarah Gardner as vice chair.
A video recording of this week’s meeting is available online at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries/marine-fisheries-commission/meetings.
