Bill > H655

This bill makes several key changes to coastal fisheries licensing in North Carolina: 1. It creates a new Commercial Fishing Crew License (CFCL) that allows crew members to participate in commercial fishing operations under the direction of a Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) holder. After holding a CFCL for three consecutive years, a person can apply for an SCFL without meeting other eligibility requirements. 2. It increases the annual fee for an SCFL from $400 to $800 for residents and removes the ability to assign an SCFL to any individual, limiting assignments to only immediate family members or legal entities in which the SCFL holder has a controlling interest. 3. It establishes an "Availability Pool" for managing the total number of active SCFLs, limiting the total to the current number plus an additional 100. Inactive SCFLs can be reactivated for up to two years before being moved to the Availability Pool. 4. It repeals the Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) and allows CRFL holders to use a limited number of crab pots, shrimp pots, and seines for personal use. 5. It increases CRFL fees for residents and non-residents to align with fees for the Wildlife Resources Commission's inland fishing licenses. Additionally, the bill appropriates funds to the Division of Marine Fisheries to offset revenue losses, expand derelict gear removal and aquaculture programs, and study a potential commercial license buyback program.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/H655