15A NCAC 03O .0303      possession limits for RECREATIONAL COMMERCIAL GEAR licenses

(a)  It shall be unlawful to possess more than a single recreational possession limit when only one individual on board a vessel possesses a valid Recreational Commercial Gear License, regardless of the number of Recreational Commercial Gear Licenses an individual holds, and recreational commercial fishing equipment as described in Rule .0302(a) of this Section is used, regardless of the number of individuals on board a vessel.

(b)  It shall be unlawful to possess individual recreational possession limits in excess of the number of individuals on board a vessel holding a valid Recreational Commercial Gear License except as provided in Paragraph (f) of this Rule.

(c)  It shall be unlawful for any individual who holds both a Recreational Commercial Gear License and a Standard or Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License and who is in possession of identified recreational commercial fishing equipment as described in Rule .0302(a) of this Section to exceed the single recreational possession limit.

(d)  It shall be unlawful for individuals on board a vessel collectively holding only one Recreational Commercial Gear License and any Standard Commercial Fishing License or Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License and who are in possession of any identified recreational commercial fishing equipment as described in Rule .0302(a) of this Section to exceed the single recreational possession limit.

(e)  It shall be unlawful to possess more than 48 quarts, heads on, or 30 quarts, heads off, of shrimp when only one individual on board a vessel possesses a valid Recreational Commercial Gear License, regardless of the number of Recreational Commercial Gear Licenses an individual holds, and recreational commercial fishing equipment as described in Rule .0302(a) of this Section is used.

(f)  It shall be unlawful to possess more than 96 quarts, heads on, or 60 quarts, heads off, of shrimp if more than one individual on board a vessel possesses a valid Recreational Commercial Gear License and recreational commercial fishing equipment as described in Rule .0302(a) of this Section is used.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113-170.4; 113-173; 113-182; 143B-289.52;

Temporary Adoption Eff. August 9, 1994, for a period of 180 days or until the permanent rule becomes effective, whichever is sooner;

Eff. February 1, 1995;

Temporary Amendment Eff. June 7, 1998;

Amended Eff. April 1, 1999;

Temporary Amendment Eff. July 1, 1999;

Amended Eff. July 1, 2006; August 1, 2000;

Readopted Eff. March 15, 2023.