SECTION .0300 – LOBSTER

15A NCAC 03L .0301      AMERICAN LOBSTER (NORTHERN LOBSTER)

(a)  It shall be unlawful to possess American lobster:

(1)           that has eggs or from which eggs have been artificially removed by any method;

(2)           meats, detached meats, detached tails or claws, or any other part of a lobster that has been separated from the lobster;

(3)           that has an outer shell which has been speared; or

(4)           that is a V-notched female lobster. A V-notched female lobster is any female lobster that bears a notch or indention in the base of the flipper that is at least as deep as 1/8 inch, with or without setal hairs. A V-notched female lobster is also any female lobster that is mutilated in a manner that would hide, obscure, or obliterate such a mark.

(b)  The Fisheries Director may, by proclamation, impose any of the following restrictions on the taking of American lobster to maintain compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for American Lobster or to implement State management measures:

(1)           specify time;

(2)           specify area;

(3)           specify means and methods;

(4)           specify season;

(5)           specify size; and

(6)           specify quantity.

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

Eff. January 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1996;

Temporary Amendment Eff. August 1, 2000;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2009; September 1, 2005; April 1, 2001;

Readopted Eff. August 23, 2022.