GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
H D
HOUSE BILL DRH10399-MH-53
Short Title: Shellfish Leasing Study. (Public)
Sponsors: Representative Carson Smith.
Referred to:
*DRH10399 -MH-53*
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED 1
AN ACT TO REQUIRE A STATEWIDE STUDY ON SHELLFISH AQUACULTURE 2
LEASING AND CURRENT MORATORIUMS ON SHELLFISH LEASING . 3
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: 4
SECTION 1. Study. – The North Carolina Collaboratory (Collaboratory) shall 5
conduct a comprehensive study on shellfish aquaculture regulations to ensure a balanced 6
approach between economic development, environmental protection, and public access to coastal 7
waters. The study shall evaluate all of the following: 8
(1) The effectiveness of existing regulations and permitting governing shellfish 9
aquaculture leases. 10
(2) The history and policy bases for current permanent and temporary 11
moratoriums and whether to lift or modify existing moratoriums or enact 12
additional moratoriums on shellfish aquaculture leases. 13
(3) Best practices from other states for managing shellfish aquaculture. 14
(4) The economic impact of shellfish aquaculture expansion on coastal economies 15
and tourism. 16
(5) Potential and actual conflicts between shellfish aquaculture operations and 17
private property values, commercial or recreational fishing, boating, and other 18
coastal land and water uses. 19
(6) Environmental considerations, including water quality, seagrass protection, 20
and marine habitat impacts due to the presence or absence of shellfish 21
aquaculture in various coastal habitats. 22
(7) Regulatory, permitting, and environmental impact differences between 23
bottom and column leases. 24
(8) The role of local governments in shellfish aquaculture leases located in or 25
adjacent to their jurisdictions. 26
(9) Recommendations for a statewide framework on the regulation and permitting 27
of shellfish aquaculture that benefits the industry and the State while 28
mitigating conflicts with users of public trust waters. 29
SECTION 2. Required Consultations. – In conducting its study, the Collaboratory 30
shall consult with the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, the Marine Fisheries 31
Commission, and other stakeholders, including shellfish growers, commercial and recreational 32
fishermen, property owners, and coastal area local governments. 33
SECTION 3. Report. – The Collaboratory shall submit an interim report with 34
preliminary findings to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Natural 35
H.B. 841
Apr 9, 2025
HOUSE PRINCIPAL CLERK General Assembly Of North Carolina Session 2025
Page 2 DRH10399-MH-53
and Economic Resources no later than December 1, 2025, and a final report, including any 1
recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes, by May 1, 2026. 2
SECTION 4. Effective Date. – This act is effective when it becomes law. 3