SECTION .0200 – OYSTERS

15A NCAC 03K .0201      Oyster HARVEST MANAGEMENT

(a)  It shall be unlawful to take or possess oysters from public bottom except from October 15 through March 31.

(b)  The Fisheries Director may, by proclamation, impose any of the following restrictions on the taking of oysters:

(1)           specify time;

(2)           specify area;

(3)           specify means and methods;

(4)           specify season within the period set forth in Paragraph (a) of this Rule;

(5)           specify size, but the minimum size limit specified shall not be less than three inches, unless a smaller minimum size limit is necessary to prevent loss of oysters due to predators, pests, or infectious oyster diseases. In no case shall the minimum size limit be less than two and one-half inches; and

(6)           specify quantity, but the quantity shall not exceed possession of more than 20 standard U.S. bushels in a commercial fishing operation per day.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑182; 113‑201; 113-221.1; 143B‑289.52;

Eff. January 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2017; October 1, 2008; March 1, 1996; September 1, 1991;

Readopted Eff. June 1, 2022.