House Bill 544 - Summary

• Prohibits taking sharks as part of recreational fishing tournaments from the shore or shore-attached structures between May 1 and October 31 each year.

• Applies to eight specific North Carolina beaches: Carolina Beach, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Bald Head Island.

• Overrides any conflicting provisions of law or proclamations issued by the Marine Fisheries Commission during the specified tourist season period.

• Effective July 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.