April 16, 2015 — The prices of six commercial fishing licenses has increased by 60 percent under a plan approved last year to help pay for the fisheries observer program while also providing funds to enhance the state commercial fishing industry.
The increases take effect with the 2015-2016 license year, for which sales began April 15, according to a North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries news release. Fees went up for the Standard Commercial Fishing License, Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License, Shellfish License, Land and Sell License, Fish Dealer License and Recreational Commercial Gear License.
The Commercial Vessel Registration fee did not go up this year.
The new fees represent a 100 percent increase from two years ago under a plan to fund the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Observer Program that was proposed by the commercial fishing industry.
Read the full story from the Topsail Advertiser