Annual Pot Closure Period Begins Jan. 15
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries is reminding fishermen of the annual pot removal period beginning Jan. 15 and ending Feb. 7.
This removal period allows for derelict and abandoned pots to be removed from internal waters to limit the impacts of ghost fishing to the blue crab and other fisheries.
All pots must be removed from internal waters, except for fish pots upstream of the U.S. 17 Bridge across the Chowan River and upstream of a line across the mouth of the Roanoke, Cashie, Middle, and Eastmost rivers to the Highway 258 Bridge. The division will issue proclamations reopening waters in different areas as they are determined to be free of pots.
For more information about the pot removal period or questions concerning the blue crab fishery contact Jason Rock at 252-948-3874, jason.rock@ncdenr.gov or Corrin Flora at 252-264-3911, corrin.flora@ncdenr.gov.
