Extends the moratorium on shellfish leasing in New Hanover County, North Carolina until July 1, 2031.

The bill extends the moratorium on new shellfish cultivation leases and new water column leases for aquaculture in New Hanover County, North Carolina until July 1, 2031. This moratorium applies to waters enclosed by a specific geographic line. The bill also appropriates $10,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to the Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries, for public education activities and notifications regarding the moratorium extension.

Extends the moratorium on shellfish leasing in New Hanover County, North Carolina until July 1, 2031.

The bill extends the moratorium on new shellfish cultivation leases and new water column leases for aquaculture in New Hanover County, North Carolina until July 1, 2031. This moratorium applies to waters enclosed by a specific geographic line. The bill also appropriates $10,000 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to the Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Marine Fisheries, for public education activities and notifications regarding the moratorium extension.