Commercial and for-hire fishers have an extra month to renew or purchase licences due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, 2019-2020 licenses that are set to expire on June 30 will remain valid until July 31.
“COVID-19 has had widespread economic impacts to North Carolina’s commercial and recreational for-hire fishing industries," division Director Steve Murphey said in a news release. “This extension will allow fishermen more time to adjust financially to these circumstances.”
The extension does not apply to recreational fishing licenses or commercial gear licenses. Since Division offices are closed, license renewals and purchases are being done by phone and mail. Completed applications with payments may be placed in dropboxes at division offices in Morehead City, Washington, Manteo, and Wilmington.
