1. (a) The annual (January through December) commercial quota for North Carolina for horseshoe crabs is established by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crab.

2. (b) The Fisheries Director may, by proclamation, impose any of the following restrictions on the taking of horseshoe crabs to maintain compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Horseshoe Crab or to implement State management measures:

   1. (1) specify time;
   2. (2) specify area;
   3. (3) specify means and methods;
   4. (4) specify season;
   5. (5) specify size; and
   6. (6) specify quantity.

History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑134; 113‑182; 113‑221.1; 143B‑289.52;
Temporary Adoption Eff. August 1, 2000;
Codifier determined that findings did not meet criteria for temporary rule on October 31, 2000;
Temporary Adoption Eff. December 6, 2000;
Eff. August 1, 2002;
Amended Eff. April 1, 2011;
Readopted Eff. April 1, 2022.