NC H809

Authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Quality to establish Shellfish Aquaculture Enterprise Areas for bottom and water column leasing, with leases being nontransferable and reverting to the state upon termination.

Establishes a Pamlico Sound pilot project allowing up to three shellfish cultivation or water column leases of up to 50 acres each, with a maximum of 100 acres per person or entity, requiring interim reports by January 1, 2025 and final reports by January 1, 2030.

Increases minimum production and planting requirements for shellfish leases, including 20 bushels per acre for bottom leases and 50 bushels per acre for water column leases, or minimum seed purchasing requirements of 23,000 seeds per acre annually.

Imposes moratoriums on new shellfish cultivation and water column leases in the New Hanover County area and Bogue Sound through July 1, 2021.

Establishes a three-member Shellfish Cultivation Lease Review Committee to hear appeals of lease decisions, extends the appeal deadline from 20 to 30 days, and allows non-applicants to petition for contested case hearings only if the Review Committee determines it is appropriate.