The Basics
Management Tools
Where are fisheries managed?
International waters: 200+ nautical miles offshore
Federal waters: 3-200 nautical miles offshore
State waters: 0-3 nautical miles offshore
NC joint fishing waters: areas where salt and fresh waters mix
Fisheries are managed all over the world by different levels of government. The territories are usually defined by their distance from shore.
Who manages them?
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International governing and policy organizations coordinate management of highly migratory species, such as tuna
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
Regional Fishery Management Councils
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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Individual coastal states hold primary authority over marine resources
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NC Marine Fisheries Commission
NC Wildlife Resources Commission