1. (a) Under G.S. 113-170.3 and for the purpose of this Rule, "harvest" shall mean the catching or taking of a fish and reducing it to permanent possession by not returning it to the water. Harvest shall be deemed complete:

   1. (1) if a vessel is used, when fish reach any shore or a structure connected to any shore; or
   2. (2) if a vessel is not used, when the person's fishing gear is stowed and no longer in use. The terms "gear" and "use" are defined in 15A NCAC 03I .0101.

2. (b) Any person, other than a person holding a commercial fishing license engaged in a commercial fishing operation, who completes the harvest, as defined in Paragraph (a) of this Rule, of a flounder, red drum, spotted seatrout, striped bass, or weakfish in coastal or joint fishing waters shall report that harvest. Harvest shall be reported online at https://www.ncmarinefisheries.net, or by using a Division-issued report card containing the same information as is required to be reported online, as listed in Subparagraphs (b)(1) through (b)(7) of this Rule. Electronic reports shall be submitted at the time harvest is complete. Division-issued report cards shall be completed at the time harvest is complete and submitted electronically to the Division by midnight the day after harvest is complete. When the day after harvest is complete is a Sunday or a federal holiday, electronic submission of a report card is due no later than midnight on the first day that is not a Sunday or a federal holiday. Harvest data to be reported shall include:

   1. (1) valid North Carolina fishing license number of the person who harvested the fish, or if that person does not have a valid North Carolina fishing license number, that person's first name, last name, and zip code of primary residence;
   2. (2) date of harvest;
   3. (3) species identification;
   4. (4) number of each species;
   5. (5) species length, if applicable;
   6. (6) area of harvest; and
   7. (7) type of gear used.
3. (c) The requirements of this Rule shall be effective in accordance with the schedule in S.L. 2023-137, s. 6(f).

History Note: Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-170.3; 113-181; 113-182; 143B-289.52;
Temporary Adoption Eff. July 5, 2024.