North CarolinaBill would pause new shellfish leases in specified North Carolina waters
If adopted, the bill would pause new shellfish leases in specified North Carolina waters and set aside money for public notices in one area.
What it does
The bill proposes blocking new shellfish farming leases in specified New Hanover County waters. The printed text gives July 1, 2031, as the end date, but the date is uncertain because the amendment formatting is missing.
The bill proposes blocking new shellfish farming leases in waters around Bogue Sound. The printed text gives July 1, 2028, as the end date, but the date is uncertain because the amendment formatting is missing.
The bill proposes blocking new shellfish farming leases in specified waters along Pender and Onslow counties through July 1, 2028. It also includes certain applications awaiting approval on July 1, 2025.
The bill proposes $10,000 for public education and notices about the New Hanover County moratorium during the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
Argument forPublic education and notices could help nearby residents learn about the proposed New Hanover County lease restrictions.
Argument againstPeople hoping to start shellfish farming in these areas might have to wait years because the proposed moratoria would block new leases.
More detail
The bill proposes a pause on new shellfish farming and water column leases in the waters within the stated boundary. The boundary covers waters near Wrightsville Beach, Masonboro Inlet, Snow's Cut, and the mainland in New Hanover County. The text also counts applications received but not granted by July 1, 2019, as new leases. The section states that it would take effect June 30, 2026, and apply to applications submitted on or after that date. It also lists applications awaiting approval on July 1, 2019.
The bill proposes a pause on new shellfish farming and water column leases in the waters within the stated boundary. The boundary runs from the Highway 70 bridge, around Radio Island and Emerald Isle, and back along the shoreline. The text also counts applications received but not granted by July 1, 2019, as new leases. The section states that it would take effect June 30, 2026, and apply to applications submitted on or after that date. It also lists applications awaiting approval on July 1, 2019.
The bill proposes a pause on new shellfish farming and water column leases in the waters within the stated boundary. The boundary covers waters along parts of the Pender and Onslow County mainland and Topsail Island, from Hampstead Marina to Howard's Channel. The text also counts applications received but not granted by July 1, 2025, as new leases. The section states that it would take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to applications submitted on or after that date.
The bill proposes setting aside $10,000 for public education and notices about the New Hanover County moratorium. The funding is for education and notices about the moratorium described in Section 1. The money would come from the General Fund and go to the Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Marine Fisheries. The funds are designated for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 18Withdrawn From CalLatest
- Jun 18Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- Jun 15Withdrawn From Cal
- Jun 15Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- Jun 15Withdrawn From Com
- Jun 15Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
- Jun 9Reptd Fav Com Sub 2Minor
- Jun 9Cal Pursuant Rule 36(b)
- May 19Reptd Fav Com SubstituteMinor
- May 19Re-ref Com On Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- Apr 30Passed 1st ReadingMinor
- Apr 30Ref to the Com on State and Local Government, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the HouseMinor
- Apr 29FiledIntroduced
Agriculture