Pressing Issues
Information on some of the current issues NCWU is advocating for:
Bluefish Proclamation for Trip limit in Effect May 27
NCDMF issued a proclamation today, 5/24 that sets a commercial bluefish trip limit to prevent an early season closure. Starting on May 27, an individual or commercial fishing operation, regardless of the number of persons, license holders or vessels involved, can possess, sell or offer for sale no more than 800 pounds of bluefish per day or per trip, whichever is more restrictive. The proclamation can be viewed at this link: FF-24-2023_bluefish_comm_TripLimit(800lb)-Final.pdf (nc.gov).
The 2023 quota for NC is 1,374,077 pounds, which is higher than the last few years. However, the NC commercial fishery has already landed over 50% of the state’s quota. We hope to receive some quota transfers from other states later this year, but a trip limit will still be needed to avoid closing the season before December 31.
Update from The Waterways Commission meeting by board member Jamie Reibel
The Dare County Oregon Inlet Task Force meeting on dredging concluded on Tuesday December 13th at 10:45am, This is what I gathered:
The alternate channel west of the Oregon Inlet bridge should be marked by the Coast Guard by December 22nd, and should (could) be 8 feet deep and possibly open for navigation. The buoys east of the bridge are off station, and local knowledge is needed to navigate, it is still 3, 4, or 5 feet between the bridge and the terminal groin.
The Merritt is currently working on the Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry channel. As usual proceed with caution through all inlets, be careful.
Phideaux’s report on Oregon Inlet is a safety factor of “medium”. The Army Corps Says it is too shallow to dredge. I hate to say don’t come, but be careful. -Jamie