The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries announced on Mar. 9 that it has opened the application period for the 2026 Shellfish Lease and Aquaculture Program. Individuals interested in leasing public coastal waters to cultivate shellfish can submit their applications until Aug. 1, 2026.
The program is important because it supports working waterfronts and brings economic and environmental benefits to coastal communities. The Division provides guidance and technical support to help applicants meet state requirements and plan sustainable operations.
Applicants are advised not to wait until the deadline, as incomplete or incorrectly submitted applications, or those proposing ineligible sites, will be denied. Applications denied after Aug. 1 cannot be resubmitted until the following year, and all fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. All new applications must include a comprehensive Storm Preparation and Gear Management Plan as outlined in Section 5 of the application materials.
The Division accepts bottom lease and water column applications each year from March 1 through Aug. 1, with site investigations taking place between April 1 and Oct. 1 to align with submerged aquatic vegetation growing seasons. Applicants and members of the public can track the status of shellfish leases using an interactive tool updated weekly by the Division.
According to the official website, the Department of Environmental Quality supports public education and environmental compliance to foster community awareness across North Carolina. The agency aims to deliver science-based stewardship that promotes health and prosperity for residents statewide according to its official website. The department oversees air, land, water, and coastal environments throughout North Carolina according to its official website.
The Department also handles services such as air quality regulation, permit issuance, environmental law enforcement, waste management, and water resource oversight according to its official website. It serves as a state agency focused on regulating and protecting natural resources according to its official website, with its central office located at 217 West Jones Street in Raleigh according to its official website.
For more information about applying or tracking lease status, individuals may visit deq.nc.gov/shellfish-lease or contact the Shellfish Lease and Aquaculture Program at 252-515-5600.