NC H853

Prohibits possession of striped bass in the Central Southern Management Area (CSMA) unless caught by hook and line, effective October 1, 2017.

Bans buying, selling, bartering, or exchanging striped bass taken in the CSMA, with exceptions for fish dealers selling striped bass caught legally outside the CSMA and restaurants serving striped bass from outside the CSMA or aquaculture facilities.

Allows fish hatcheries in licensed aquaculture facilities within the CSMA to buy, sell, and transport farm-raised striped bass for commerce within the State and for export.

Responds to data showing over 85% of striped bass in the CSMA are hatchery-produced, with annual stocking costs around $600,000 compared to commercial harvest averaging $408 per fisherman.

Expires upon completion and implementation of the revised Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan scheduled to begin in 2018.