NC H860

Repeals G.S. 113-182.1 and establishes new Fishery Management Plans framework requiring Division of Marine Fisheries to prepare plans based on best available scientific, technical, and economic data for adoption by Marine Fisheries Commission.

Requires Fishery Management Plans to include provisions for ending overfishing within 2 years and achieving sustainable harvest within 10 years, with exemptions if biology, environmental conditions, or insufficient data make implementation incompatible with management standards.

Establishes Fishery Management Plan Advisory Committees composed of commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, and scientists to assist in plan development, with consultation from regional advisory committees before Legislative Oversight Committee review.

Modifies Marine Fisheries Commission structure and composition, requiring 9 members including specified numbers of commercial fishers, recreational fishers, scientists with marine ecology and fisheries expertise, and adding transparency requirements for electronic communications and meeting agendas.

Increases enforcement authority for inspectors and protectors, clarifies jurisdiction over marine and estuarine resources including non-native species, and allows temporary emergency Fishery Management Plan Supplements for conditions where science indicates emergency exists and regular process is impracticable.