1. (a) It shall be unlawful to set or use trawls, pots, or mechanical methods for shellfish or take crabs with the use of commercial fishing equipment in crab spawning sanctuaries:

   1. (1) from March 1 through August 31 for the crab spawning sanctuaries described in 15A NCAC 03R .0110(1); and
   2. (2) from March 1 through October 31 for the crab spawning sanctuaries described in 15A NCAC 03R .0110(2).

2. (b) The Fisheries Director may, by proclamation, designate additional areas as crab spawning sanctuaries and may impose the following restrictions in any crab spawning sanctuary:

   1. (1) specify areas;
   2. (2) specify time periods;
   3. (3) specify means and methods; and
   4. (4) specify limits on harvest based on size, quantity, sex, reproductive stage, or peeler stage.

History Note: Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 113-182.1; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52;
Eff. January 1, 1991;
Amended Eff. May 1, 1997;
Temporary Amendment Eff. October 2, 1999;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2014; April 1, 2001;
Readopted Eff. March 15, 2023.