15A NCAC 03J .0305       TROTLINES (MULTIPLE HOOK OR MULTIPLE BAIT)

(a)  It shall be unlawful to use multiple hook or multiple bait trotlines for recreational purposes unless each multiple hook or multiple bait trotline is marked by attaching to them at each end a floating buoy, any shade of hot pink in color. Buoys shall be of solid foam or other solid buoyant material no less than five inches in diameter and no less than five inches in length. The gear owner's last name and initials shall be engraved on the attached buoy or identified by attaching engraved metal or plastic tags to the buoy. If a vessel is used, the identification shall also include one of the following:

(1)           gear owner's current motor boat registration number; or

(2)           gear owner's U.S. vessel documentation name.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to use multiple hook or multiple bait trotlines in a commercial fishing operation unless each multiple hook or multiple bait trotline is marked by attaching to them at each end a floating buoy of any color except any shade of yellow or any shade of hot pink, or any combination of colors that include any shade of yellow or any shade of hot pink. Buoys shall be of solid foam or other solid buoyant material no less than five inches in diameter and no less than five inches in length. The gear owner's last name and initials shall be engraved on the attached buoy or identified by attaching engraved metal or plastic tags to the buoy. If a vessel is used, the identification shall also include one of the following:

(1)           gear owner's current motor boat registration number; or

(2)           gear owner's U.S. vessel documentation name.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-173; 113-182; 143B-289.52;

Temporary Adoption Eff. July 1, 1999;

Eff. August 1, 2000;

Readopted Eff. March 15, 2023.