Joint Waters

Where They Stand

Jurisdictional waters within North Carolina are determined by agreement between the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. These two state agencies currently maintain three formal delineations: Coastal Fishing Waters, Inland Fishing Waters, and Joint Fishing Waters.

Commercial fishing activities are managed and regulated by the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission in Joint Fishing Waters. The two state agencies are currently in dispute regarding authority and management of recreational fishing in Joint Fishing Waters and the delineation of jurisdictional boundaries. The Governor of North Carolina has the statutory authority to resolve conflicts between the two agencies.

Click here to see a detailed map of Coastal, Joint, and Inland Fishing Waters.