GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2023

SESSION LAW 2023-26

HOUSE BILL 544

AN ACT to make it unlawful to take sharks from the shoreline as part of a recreational fishing tournament during tourist season in certain southeastern waters.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Article 15 of Chapter 113 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 113‑192.  Moratorium on certain shark fishing tournaments during tourist season.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law or proclamation issued by the Marine Fisheries Commission, between May 1 and October 31 of each year, it is unlawful to take sharks as part of a recreational fishing tournament where the person landing the shark is on the shore or on a structure attached to the shore of Carolina Beach, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Kure Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, or Bald Head Island."

SECTION 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 26^th day of May, 2023.

                                                                    s/  Vickie Sawyer

                                                                         Presiding Officer of the Senate

                                                                    s/  Howard Penny, Jr.

                                                                         Presiding Officer of the House of Representatives

                                                                    s/  Roy Cooper

                                                                         Governor

Approved 12:32 p.m. this 2^nd day of June, 2023