Bill > H441

This bill establishes the Shrimp Trawl Transition Program to provide financial support to commercial fishing license holders who have reported shrimp sales using trawl nets between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. The program, administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries, will offer annual transition payments to eligible participants who held a Standard Commercial Fishing License or Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License during that period and reported shrimp sales in inshore waters. The payment amount will be calculated based on the average monthly value of eligible shrimp trip tickets multiplied by 12, plus an additional $180. If the total calculated payments exceed available funds, payments will be proportionally reduced. The program will be funded by the North Carolina Commercial Fishing Resource Fund and the North Carolina Marine Resources Fund, with up to $2 million annually potentially drawn from the Marine Resources Endowment Fund. Additionally, the bill increases various coastal fishing license fees, including Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses, Retired Standard Commercial Fishing Licenses, vessel registrations, shellfish licenses, and recreational coastal fishing licenses. These fee increases range from approximately 45% to 80% across different license types. The program is set to expire on October 1, 2028, and the Department is required to submit annual reports on its implementation and fund usage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H441