NC H1063

Increases Standard Commercial Fishing License (SCFL) annual fees from $400 to $800 for residents and from $400 to $520 minimum for nonresidents, and Retired SCFL fees from $200 to $400 for residents and $260 to $520 for nonresidents.

Creates Commercial Fishing Crew License (CFCL) at $100 annually for residents ($130 for nonresidents) allowing crew members to work under SCFL holders, with eligibility to obtain SCFL after three consecutive years without meeting other eligibility requirements.

Restricts SCFL assignment to immediate family members or corporations where the SCFL holder and family members hold controlling interest, and creates Heritage Standard Commercial Fishing License (HSCFL) conversion option allowing inactive license holders to maintain rights for 10 years at $100 annually.

Implements minimum participation requirement for SCFL renewal: demonstrating landings of at least 1,000 pounds of seafood or 15 completed fishing trips in two of the five preceding fiscal years.

Increases Recreational Commercial Gear License (CRFL) fees from $15 to $20 annually for residents and $30 to $36 for nonresidents; increases ten-day license fees from $5/$10 to $7/$18; and authorizes bait seines and up to five crab pots for CRFL holders.