NC Amends Shellfish Closure Requirements Near Marinas

An amended rule has gone into that pertains to the classification of shellfish waters near marinas in North Carolina. 

Amendments to 15A NCAC 18A .0911, Marinas, Docking Facilities, and Other Mooring Areas, modify requirements to allow the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries to determine necessary buffer closures for shellfish growing waters in and around these areas based on a dilution analysis, which is a more scientific and public health-based rationale than the previous slip count method. 

The changes help ensure that North Carolina remains in full compliance with national requirements so that North Carolina shellfish can continue to be sold through interstate commerce. The changes also make the implementation and enforceability of requirements clearer. 

The rule was amended and readopted under the state-mandated periodic review schedule. The Marine Fisheries Commission gave final approval in February. 

Text of the new rule is available in the June 1, 2023, Supplement to North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission Rules April 1, 2020, at https://www.deq.nc.gov/marine-fisheries/rules-regulations/marine-fisheries-commission-rules/6-1-23-mfc-rulebook-supplement/open. 

For more information, contact Catherine Blum, rules coordinator for the Division of Marine Fisheries, catherine.blum@ncdenr.gov.