MOREHEAD CITY – N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries offices are closed to the public until further notice, based on the current guidance to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

During this time, division offices are operating with limited personnel, but staff will continue to transact fishing license sales, to the extent possible, over the phone or by mail.

Members of the public who have questions should call one of the following numbers:

Those with questions regarding fishing licenses also may email License@ncdenr.gov.

To facilitate efficient license transactions, with limited person-to-person interaction, members of the public are urged to download and complete the appropriate commercial fishing license application at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/commercial-fishing-license-information [portal.ncdenr.org] or for-hire license application at http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/mf/for-hire [portal.ncdenr.org].

Renewal packets for fiscal year 2021 commercial fishing and for-hire licenses will be sent to fishermen in the coming weeks. The division urges fishermen to renew their licenses through the mail as soon as possible beginning April 15. Fishermen should not wait for the June 30 deadline.

Coastal Recreational Fishing Licenses can be purchased or renewed online at www.ncwildlife.org or by calling N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission at 1-888-248-6834 during office hours.

The division will continue to evaluate staffing circumstances as the guidance related to the COVID-19 crisis evolves.