The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is organizing a public hearing to discuss a proposed shellfish lease in Dare County. Scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the meeting will take place both in person at the Dare County Government Office in Manteo, N.C., and online via Webex.
The application under review has been submitted by Herring Shoal Shellfish Co., LLC. The lease, represented by agents William James Clower and Aaron Hopkins, requests approval for a 3-acre shellfish bottom and water column lease in Roanoke Sound, identified as Lease Nos. 24-009BL and 24-010WC. The proposed site will be marked with signs indicating its status as a proposed lease area.
Public participation is welcomed, with options to comment in person or online. Those interested in speaking through Webex must register by 4 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at the designated registration site. For in-person attendees, speaker sign-up will be available at the venue between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the day of the hearing.
Supplementary materials, including the Webex link, call-in number, presentation slides, and a biological investigation report, can be accessed online. Written comments can also be submitted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, through an online comment form or via mail addressed to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries.
For additional information, individuals are encouraged to contact Marla Chuffo of the Division’s Habitat and Enhancement Section.
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WHO: N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
WHAT: Public Hearing on Proposed Shellfish Lease
WHEN: May 6, 2025, at 6 p.m.
WHERE: Dare County Government Office, Manteo, N.C. 27954
ONLINE: Visit the DEQ website for access links
