March 27, 2025 — On March 24, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission implemented 18 new rules designed to enhance the management and conservation of the state’s marine and estuarine resources. These changes encompass improvements in data collection, harassment prevention, and the administration of shellfish leases.
Five of the newly adopted rules focus on bolstering data collection efforts and safeguarding Division of Marine fisheries employees from harassment during field activities, according to Island Free Press. Amendments expand protections against verbal, physical, or sexual harassment that staff may encounter while collecting vital data on marine and estuarine resources. Additional revisions to rules reinforce the obligation of fishermen to cooperate with data collection programs, emphasizing the critical role of accurate data in resource conservation.