15A NCAC 03K .0201. OPEN SEASON AND POSSESSION LIMIT

It is unlawful to take or possess oysters from public bottoms except from October 15 through March 31.  The Fisheries Director may, by proclamation, close and open the season within the time period stated herein or close and open any of the various waters to the taking of oysters depending on the need to protect small oysters and their habitat, the amount of saleable oysters available for harvest, the number of days harvest is prevented due to unsatisfactory bacteriological samples and weather conditions, and the need to prevent loss of oysters due to parasitic infections and thereby reduce the transmission of parasites to uninfected oysters or other variable conditions and may impose any or all of the following restrictions on commercial and recreational oyster harvest:

(1)           Specify days of the week harvesting will be allowed;

(2)           Specify areas;

(3)           Specify means and methods which may be employed in the taking;

(4)           Specify time period;

(5)           Specify the quantity, but shall not exceed possession of more than 50 bushels in a commercial fishing operation; and

(6)           Specify the minimum size limit by shell length, but not less than 2 1/2 inches.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑182; 113‑201; 113‑221; 113-221.1; 143B‑289.52;

Eff. January 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. October 1, 2008; March 1, 1996; September 1, 1991.