April 13, 2004 IT’S RENEWAL TIME FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSES MOREHEAD CITY – Commercial fishermen are urged to renew their fishing licenses by mail beginning May 1. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) has mailed approximately 9,000 applications for the upcoming commercial fishing year, which begins July 1, 2004. The applications are already filled out – fishermen just have to review them, make needed corrections, and return the forms and the payment by mail, or in person, to the NCDMF. License holders are encouraged to take advantage of the mail-in renewal process because they can avoid waiting in line to process their licenses. There is a new requirement for any fish dealers that handle shellfish. Before their license can be issued, dealers must have a current certification as a Shellstock Dealer by the Division of Environmental Health, Shellfish Sanitation Section. This certification is required for both in-state and interstate sales and shipment of shellfish. For more information on this certification, please call Shellfish Sanitation at 252-726-6827. Beginning May 1, NCDMF license offices will also begin processing walk-in renewals at all six of their offices along the coast. Fishermen are reminded to bring in current licenses and photo identification for walk-in renewals. Even though renewals can be processed earlier, 2004/2005 licenses are not valid until July 1, 2004. If fishermen renew their licenses through the mail by June 15, they should receive their new licenses prior to July 1. The Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) expires one year from the date of purchase. RCGL licenses can be renewed through any NCDMF license office or by visiting an authorized Wildlife Resources Commission license agent. For more information about NCDMF licenses, please call 252-726-7021 or 1-888-254-2024 (toll free). April 13, 2004 IT’S RENEWAL TIME FOR COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENSES MOREHEAD CITY – Commercial fishermen are urged to renew their fishing licenses by mail beginning May 1. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) has mailed approximately 9,000 applications for the upcoming commercial fishing year, which begins July 1, 2004. The applications are already filled out – fishermen just have to review them, make needed corrections, and return the forms and the payment by mail, or in person, to the NCDMF. License holders are encouraged to take advantage of the mail-in renewal process because they can avoid waiting in line to process their licenses. There is a new requirement for any fish dealers that handle shellfish. Before their license can be issued, dealers must have a current certification as a Shellstock Dealer by the Division of Environmental Health, Shellfish Sanitation Section. This certification is required for both in-state and interstate sales and shipment of shellfish. For more information on this certification, please call Shellfish Sanitation at 252-726-6827. Beginning May 1, NCDMF license offices will also begin processing walk-in renewals at all six of their offices along the coast. Fishermen are reminded to bring in current licenses and photo identification for walk-in renewals. Even though renewals can be processed earlier, 2004/2005 licenses are not valid until July 1, 2004. If fishermen renew their licenses through the mail by June 15, they should receive their new licenses prior to July 1. The Recreational Commercial Gear License (RCGL) expires one year from the date of purchase. RCGL licenses can be renewed through any NCDMF license office or by visiting an authorized Wildlife Resources Commission license agent. For more information about NCDMF licenses, please call 252-726-7021 or 1-888-254-2024 (toll free).
