15A N.C. Admin. Code 3K.0107
Current through Register Vol. 38, No. 24, June 17, 2024
Section 03K .0107 - DEPURATION OF SHELLFISH(a) It is unlawful to take clams or oysters from the public or private prohibited (polluted) waters of the state for the purpose of depuration except when the harvest will utilize shellfish that would otherwise be destroyed in maintenance dredging operations. All harvest and transport activities within the State of North Carolina related to depuration shall be under the supervision of the Division of Marine Fisheries or the Division of Environmental Health. For the purpose of this Rule, the term depuration does not include relaying of clams or oysters from shellfish leases or franchises as authorized by 15A NCAC 03K .0104.(b) The Fisheries Director, may, by proclamation, impose any or all of the following restrictions on the harvest of clams or oysters for depuration:(2) Specify areas except harvest will not be allowed from designated buffer zones adjacent to sewage outfall facilities;(3) Specify harvest days;(5) Specify quantity or size;(6) Specify harvest methods;(7) Specify record keeping requirements.(c) Depuration permits:(1) It is unlawful for individuals to harvest clams or oysters from prohibited (polluted) waters for the purpose of depuration unless they have obtained a Depuration Permit or are listed as designees on a Depuration Permit from the Division of Marine Fisheries and Division of Environmental Health setting forth the method of harvest to be employed. Permits shall be issued to licensed North Carolina Clam or Oyster Dealers only. Permittees and designees harvesting under Depuration Permits must have a current Shellfish License or Shellfish Endorsement on a Standard or Retired Standard Commercial Fishing License.(2) In addition to information required in 15A NCAC 03O .0501, the permit application shall provide the name, address, location and telephone number of the depuration operation where the shellfish will be depurated.(3) Clam or Oyster Dealers desiring to obtain prohibited (polluted) clams or oysters for depuration shall apply for a depuration permit at least 15 days prior to initiation of operation.(d) Transport of clams or oysters for depuration:(1) Clams or oysters harvested from prohibited (polluted) waters for depuration in a depuration operation located within the State of North Carolina shall be transported under the supervision of the Division of Marine Fisheries or the Division of Environmental Health.(2) Clams or oysters harvested from prohibited (polluted) waters for depuration in a depuration operation outside the State of North Carolina shall not be transported within the State of North Carolina except under the supervision of the Division of Marine Fisheries or the Division of Environmental Health.(e) It is unlawful to ship clams or oysters harvested for depuration to depuration facilities located in a state other than North Carolina unless the facility is in compliance with the applicable rules and laws of the shellfish control agency of that state.(f) The procedures and requirements for obtaining permits are found in 15A NCAC 03O .0500.15A N.C. Admin. Code 03K .0107
Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 113-201; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52;
Eff. January 1, 1991;
Temporary Amendment Eff. October 1, 2001;
Amended Eff. October 1, 2008; April 1, 2003.Authority G.S. 113-134; 113-182; 113-201; 113-221.1; 143B-289.52;
Eff. 1/1/1991;
Temporary Amendment Eff. 10/1/2001;
Amended Eff. 10/1/2008; 4/1/2003.Readopted by North Carolina Register Volume 37, Issue 01, July 1, 2022 Eff. Pending legislative review pursuant to S.L. 2019198.