15A NCAC 03M .0523     FALSE ALBACORE

(a)  If the level of landings of false albacore in a calendar year exceeds 200 percent of the five-year average of North Carolina recreational and commercial landings combined from 2018-2022 as determined by the Division of Marine Fisheries, the Fisheries Director shall issue a proclamation as set forth in Paragraph (b) of this Rule.

(b)  In accordance with Paragraph (a) of this Rule and after prior consent of the Marine Fisheries Commission, the Fisheries Director shall, by proclamation, impose the following requirements on the taking of false albacore:

(1)           for recreational purposes, specify a bag limit not to exceed 10 fish per person per day, not to exceed 30 fish per vessel per day; and

(2)           for a commercial fishing operation, specify a trip limit not to exceed 3,500 pounds in any one day or trip, whichever is more restrictive.

(c)  A proclamation issued in accordance with Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Rule shall become effective January 1 of the year following the year when the determination is made that a proclamation shall be issued. The proclamation shall expire when the level of landings falls below the landings level in Paragraph (a) of this Rule in a subsequent calendar year and after prior consent of the Marine Fisheries Commission.

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

Eff. June 1, 2026.