Beginning December 1, 2025, new harvest reporting requirements are in effect for both recreational and commercial fishermen in North Carolina. Recreational anglers must now report the harvest of Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Striped Bass, Weakfish, and flounder. Commercial fishermen are required to report all harvests, including those not sold. The mandate applies only to fish that are kept.
Recreational fishermen can submit their reports electronically using the Mandatory Harvest Reporting webform accessible via smartphone, tablet, or computer. Instructions for electronic reporting are available on the How to Report Electronically webpage. For those without immediate access to digital devices, a paper report card can be printed from the Division of Marine Fisheries website or picked up at any Division office. Instructions for this method are provided on the Reporting with the Paper Report Card webpage.
Reports must be submitted once a fishing trip is complete. For vessel users, this means after reaching shore or a structure attached to shore; for others fishing from banks or piers, reporting should occur once fishing has ended and gear is put away.
Commercial fishermen must use the N.C. Trip Ticket Program through licensed seafood dealers to report all catches. If fish are sold, dealers handle reporting as usual. If not sold—for example, kept for personal consumption—the fisherman must still report through a dealer using an “unsold harvest” code. All commercial catches must be reported within 48 hours of landing.
The North Carolina General Assembly established these requirements through Session Law 2023-137. The Division of Marine Fisheries is responsible for implementing the law and supporting compliance efforts.
“This new reporting requirement was established by the North Carolina General Assembly through Session Law 2023-137. The Division of Marine Fisheries is implementing the law and providing the tools, guidance and support necessary to help fishermen comply.”
The new program will supplement existing data collection efforts such as the Marine Recreational Information Program and other creel surveys conducted by the Division of Marine Fisheries. Data from mandatory reports will be used alongside current survey information to improve fisheries management.
Additional resources and answers to common questions can be found in the Mandatory Harvest Reporting section of the Division of Marine Fisheries website.
