15A NCAC 03I .0120        POSSESSION OR TRANSPORTATION LIMITS THROUGH STATE WATERS; SALE OF NATIVE SPECIES

(a)  It shall be unlawful to possess or transport through State coastal fishing waters any species of fish that is subject to State season, size, or harvest restrictions, regardless whether the species was taken in State or federal waters, unless all fish taken are in compliance with the restrictions for the waterbody or area being fished. If State season, size, or harvest restrictions differ from comparable restrictions pursuant to a fishery management plan adopted by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission or pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, or if there are no corresponding federal regulations, the State restrictions shall apply during such periods of possession or transportation.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to import native species of fish for sale in the State that do not meet size limits, except as provided in 15A NCAC 03K .0202, .0207, .0305, and 03M .0503.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113-170; 113-170.4; 113-170.5; 113-182; 113-182.1; 113-252; 143B-289.52;

Temporary Adoption Eff. July 1, 1999;

Eff. August 1, 2000;

Temporary Amendment Eff. October 1, 2001;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2005; April 1, 2003;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2019.