NCDMF, which is responsible for regulating North Carolina’s saltwater fish in the state’s ocean waters, decided against opening a recreational flounder season for 2024. Now, it appears the NCWRC, which is responsible for regulating certain saltwater species of fish in the state’s inland waterways, is poised to do the same. They are currently seeking public comment on the subject.
While flounder are a saltwater species, these fish often travel up waterways that are considered brackish and even into freshwater. This causes problems with anglers that must abide by certain regulations from NCDMF, when the waters they are fishing are governed by NCWRC. Thus, NCWRC also has rules in place dealing with some species of saltwater fish, like flounder.
From NCWRC:
“The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has been responsible for managing North Carolina’s wildlife resources since 1947. Rules are one means of managing these resources to serve the interests of the state’s citizens. We rely on the public’s cooperation and assistance in this endeavor. Thus, we urge you to submit your comments and appreciate your participation.
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The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) has stated they will not open the recreational flounder harvest season in 2024 due to the recreational sector exceeding the 2023 harvest allotment. To be consistent with the annual quota management measure of the North Carolina Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan Amendment 3 and with the NCDMF closure of the recreational season in coastal waters, the proposed amendments will close the flounder harvest season in 2024.”
Click here to provide your comments to NCWRC concerning this closure.