section .0500 – other finfish

15A NCAC 03M .0501     RED DRUM

(a)  It shall be unlawful to remove red drum from any type of net with the aid of any boat hook, gaff, spear, gig, or similar device.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to take or possess red drum taken by any boat hook, gaff, spear, gig, or similar device.

(c)  It shall be unlawful to possess red drum less than 18 inches total length or greater than 27 inches total length.

(d)  It shall be unlawful to possess more than one red drum per person per day taken by hook and line or for recreational purposes.

(e)  Annual commercial harvest limit for red drum:

(1)           The annual commercial harvest limit for red drum shall be 250,000 pounds.

(2)           The annual commercial harvest limit for red drum shall be calculated from September 1 through August 31 and is allotted in two periods:

(A)          September 1 through April 30 at 150,000 pounds; and

(B)          May 1 through August 31 at 100,000 pounds plus any remainder from the first period allotment.

(3)           If the harvest limit is projected to be taken in any period, the Fisheries Director shall, by proclamation, prohibit possession of red drum taken in a commercial fishing operation for the remainder of that period.

(4)           Any commercial harvest limit that is exceeded during one year shall result in the poundage overage being deducted from the subsequent year's commercial harvest limit, and the Fisheries Director shall, by proclamation, adjust the period allotments as described in this Paragraph.

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

Eff. January 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. March 1, 1996; October 1, 1992; September 1, 1991;

Temporary Amendment Eff. May 1, 2000; July 1, 1999; October 22, 1998;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2001;

Temporary Amendment Eff. May 1, 2001;

Amended Eff. April 1, 2009; October 1, 2008; August 1, 2002;

Readopted Eff. April 1, 2019.