October 16, 2025

Action Needed: 

Help Support Our Local Crabbing Industry

Kill Devil Hills Supports Seafood Industry and Opposes Proposed Changes to Blue Crab Harvests:

The Kill Devil Hills Board of Commissioners recently passed a resolution opposing proposed restrictions on the blue crab harvest, which could greatly impact the N.C. crabbing industry. Read the resolution by clicking here.

Proposed Blue Crab Harvest Restrictions

(This information has been shared by the North Carolina Coastal Counties Fisheries Coalition and the Albemarle Commission.)

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and the Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) are considering new restrictions on blue crab harvests through a Revision to Amendment 3 of the Blue Crab Fishery Management Plan. This revision is being pursued because the measures from the original Amendment 3, adopted in 2020, have not been successful in rebuilding the blue crab stock. These new changes could significantly affect our region’s fishermen and coastal economy.

What’s Being Proposed (Draft Revision):

• Ban on harvesting mature female blue crabs January-May

• Limit of 10 bushels per trip June-December

• Other options under discussion include stricter size limits and additional seasonal closures.

Why It Matters:

• Could reduce crab harvests by an estimated 21.7% compared to average landings from 2019 to 2023.

• The direct impact on commercial fishermen, seafood dealers, and local economies is a major part of the ongoing discussion.

Timeline:

• November – The MFC is expected to consider the final adoption of new measures during its quarterly meeting.

• Late 2025 / Early 2026 – If adopted, new restrictions would be implemented by DMF proclamation.

For information, visit the NC DEQ's Blue Crab Adaptive Management plan by clicking here.

Your Voice Matters - Your Action Is Needed:

The Marine Fisheries Commission (MFC) will consider adopting final measures at its November meeting. You can still make your voice heard by submitting comments directly to the MFC before that meeting.

Here's how:

• Submit Written Comments: Written comments are a very effective way to provide detailed input. You can submit them by mail or by using the online form on the NC DEQ website.

• Online: Use the official public comment form available on the NC DEQ Marine Fisheries Commission webpage. The form will become available when the meeting agenda is posted here.

• By Mail: Send written comments to:

Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting Comments

P.O. Box 769

Morehead City, NC 28557

Check the official MFC meeting agenda (usually posted a few weeks in advance) for details on how to register to speak in person or remotely. It will be posted here.

Providing input now ensures your concerns are on record and can be considered by the commission before they make a final decision in November.