North Carolina
Flounder fallout: With the 2024 NC recreational season scrapped, what happens now?
The state’s flounder fishery has been struggling for decades, with data showing stocks severely depleted. But rebuilding the fishery could require more tough and unpopular decisions
What if the most popular fish was taken off the menu? Would a restaurant be expected to take a hit?
That’s what some North Carolina coastal communities could be dealing with in the near future after state regulators decided to cancel the 2024 recreational flounder fishing season due to concerns over the status of the stressed fishery.
The move has ignited a firestorm of criticism along the coast and rekindled the ever-present dispute between recreational and commercial fishermen over who is to blame for the overfishing that biologists say plagues many of North Carolina’s most popular fisheries − including flounder, arguably the most popular and traditional coastal Tar Heel State fish.
But the impact of last month’s decision by the Marine Fisheries Commission could extend beyond the frustration of local anglers.
In 2022, the last year for which figures are available, North Carolina sold more than 485,000 fishing licenses. The majority of the permits sold were annual licenses to state residents, many of them to allow fishing in both coastal and non-coastal public waters. But nearly 146,000 of them were short, 10-day licenses sold to non-residents − in other words tourists who fill the hotels, restaurants and tackle shops of many small towns along the coast.
If these visiting anglers from Tennessee or Ohio can no longer cast for flounder, especially in the state’s near-shore waters, will they instead head to neighboring states like South Carolina where flounder rules are much less stringent for their fishing vacations?
David Sneed, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of North Carolina, which has filed a lawsuit alleging the state has mismanaged its coastal fisheries, including flounder, said if it’s not already happening, it will.
The fishing license numbers might already be showing that as North Carolina regulators have moved to limit flounder and other fisheries due to overfishing concerns, with nearly 15,000 fewer 10-day licenses sold in 2022 than 2021 − albeit the surge in outdoor activities two years ago during the pandemic shutdown could have helped swell those numbers.
Casting into Banks Channel at the southern end of Wrightsville Beach near Masonboro Inlet last week, Billy Mitchell said with a grin that he was just hoping to catch “anything.”
“But flounder is the best, and certainly what the wife likes,” said the visiting angler from Nashville. Fishermen often cite flounder as their favorite fish because of its mild taste and that you don’t need expensive gear or boat to get offshore to catch it.
Knowing it’s out of season, Mitchell said he had already caught one of the flat fish and tossed it back. He added that he had intended to come back to the N.C. coast when the short recreational season was expected to open later this year.
But now?
“I’m not sure,” Mitchell said, wiping his brow and adjusting his burnt orange University of Tennessee Volunteers hat. “I’ll have to check with the wife, but that might change things.”
SINKING FEELING: As flounder numbers flounder, NC fishermen stew over short recreational season
How did we get here?
For years, regulators have been walking a tightrope in trying to balance economic, recreational, cultural and even political needs with the hard facts of a struggling fishery in trouble.
The big rollback in the flounder fishery began in 2019, when regulators moved to limit the recreational flounder season in response to data that showed the fishery was seriously overfished.
A series of more and more stringent restrictions led to the 2023 recreational season shortened to two weeks, but even that proved to be too much.
“Estimates from 2023 indicate the recreational catch exceeded the quota allowed under a stock rebuilding plan that was included in Amendment 3 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan and adopted by the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission,” stated a release from the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) announcing the total cancellation of the 2024 recreational season.
The amendment, adopted in May 2022, called for a 72% reduction in the southern flounder harvest, with both commercial and recreational fisheries seeing dramatic cuts.
Climate change is another concern among scientists, with warming sea temperatures potentially impacting the sex ratio of the fishery. Since juvenile flounders hang out in shallow, inland estuary waters, warmer water temperatures likely trigger more of the fish to be male. That could be a growing problem because female flounders grow bigger than males, and thus are more highly sought than the smaller males.
KEEPING TABS: Catch a flounder or red drum? NC recreational fishermen will soon have to report it
Didn’t just happen
Dr. Louis Daniel was the former state marine fisheries director for nearly a decade before leaving in 2016 and is now senior marine scientist at the N.C. Wildlife Federation and an adjunct professor at N.C. State University.
He said the plight the state and flounder fishermen find themselves in today didn’t just happen, but has been an issue for several decades as stock assessments showed pressures growing on the fishery even as rules were put into place to supposedly help it recover.
“This has been like watching a train wreck in slow motion,” CCA’s Sneed said.
Daniel said overfishing and discounting the impacts of discards, especially in the state’s commercial fisheries, is hampering stock recovery efforts − even as many fishermen claim they are seeing more flounder in the water than they’ve ever seen before.
“What they did with the recreational fishery was absolutely right,” he said of the decision by the state’s fishing regulators. “They did what the science told them they had to do.”
If the state can hold the line on the recreational catch and get more realistic about the impacts of flounder discards getting caught up in other fisheries, Daniel said the flounder fishery is likely to show some improvements in coming years.
But commercial fishermen, although small in number compared to recreational fishermen, have strong political allies in Raleigh, a long and rich sentimental attachment to the coast, and a significant economic impact in many areas where there are few other opportunities or industries.
In North Carolina, the number of participants in the commercial fishing industry has dropped from more than 5,000 in 2000 to fewer than 2,200 last year − a decrease of 57%. Other state statistics show the number of commercial permits and licenses issued by the state has decreased from more than 27,000 to around 19,300 in 2023. The number of fish dealer licenses also are falling as the industry shrinks, down 23% from 850 in 2000 to 655 in 2023.
Fisheries spokesperson Patricia Smith said the 2024 quota for the commercial flounder fishery has yet to be determined.
STATE OFFICIALS: No NC recreational flounder season in 2024
HOOK, LINE AND SINKING? What’s the future of NC’s commercial fishing industry?
What happens next year?
Under current management rules, exceeding a quota in one year means the following year’s allowable catch number must be reduced by the amount that exceeded the limit. When recreational fishermen caught too many flounder in 2023, that prompted the state to act.
“After subtracting the recreational overage from 2023, the recreational quota remaining for 2024 is not large enough to allow for a season opening,” stated the marine fisheries’ release announcing the closure of this year’s recreational season. “The leftover quota will be used to account for the anticipated dead discards that will occur due to incidental catch and release.”
With the 2024 recreational season canceled, the state shouldn’t have a problem having a 2025 recreational season, although it will probably have similar rules to the 2023 season − one fish per person, per day, and a minimum size of 15 inches.
The massive haul last year by recreational fishermen wasn’t the first time it has happened.
In 2022, the state’s recreational quota, or total allowable catch (TAC), was 170,655 pounds. But regulators estimated fishermen exceeded this amount by 56,340 pounds. During the two-week 2021 flounder season, recreational fishermen caught an estimated 627,000 pounds of flounder − well over the quota of 152,808 pounds.
Things, however, are looking up for recreational flounder fishermen − at least in the near term. Their overall share of the flounder fishery will increase from a 70-30 ratio this year to 60-40 next year, and that increased quota coupled with not having a recreational season this year should allow enough wiggle room for a limited recreational season in 2025.
But unless something changes, Daniel said we’re likely to see whatever recreational quota number is eventually set by regulators exceeded again.
“If we can’t effectively manage the fishery, we’ll be right back here in a couple years,” he said. “What this really highlights is the overcapacity in the fisheries, both commercial and recreational.
“That’s what we have to focus on fixing.”
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at GMcGrath@Gannett.com or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
North Carolina
North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
The 2026 North Carolina high school softball state playoff brackets are out, and High School On SI has all eight brackets with matchups and schedules for every team.
The first round begins on May 5, and the playoffs will culminate with the NCHSAA state championships being played May 27-30 at Duke University in Durham.
2026 North Carolina High School Baseball State Tournament Schedule
May 5: First Round
May 8: Second Round
May 12: Third Round
May 15: Fourth Round
May 19-23: Regionals
May 27-30: State Championships
North Carolina (NCHSAA) High School Softball 2026 State Playoff Brackets, Matchups, Schedule – May 11
CLASS 1A BRACKET (select to view full bracket details)
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Bear Grass Charter vs. No. 5 Vance Charter
No. 3 East Columbus vs. No. 2 Northside – Pinetown
No. 1 Robbinsville vs. No. 5 Falls Lake Academy
No. 6 Bethany Community vs. No. 2 Oxford Preperatory
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 North Duplin vs. No. 8 Camden County
No. 5 Rosewood vs. No. 4 East Carteret
No. 3 Perquimans vs. No. 11 Pamlico County
No. 10 Franklin Academy vs. No. 2 Manteo
No. 1 South Stanly vs. No. 9 East Wilkes
No. 5 South Stokes vs. No. 4 Starmount
No. 3 Swain County vs. No. 6 Murphy
No. 7 Highland Tech vs. No. 2 Roxboro Community
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Midway vs. No. 9 Providence
No. 12 Wallace-Rose Hill vs. No. 4 Heide Trask
No. 3 Farmville Central vs. No. 11 Ayden – Grifton
No. 10 Northwood vs. No. 2 McMichael
No. 1 West Lincoln vs. No. 8 Union Academy
No. 5 Draughn vs No. 4 Pine Lake Preperatory
No. 3 West Davidson vs. No. 11 East Surry
No. 7 Walkertown vs. No. 2 West Wilkes
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Randleman vs. No. 9 Nash Central
No. 5 Bunn vs. No. 4 East Duplin
No. 3 Southwest Onslow vs. No. 6 Roanoke Rapids
No. 7 Ledford Senior vs. No. 2 Central Davidson
No. 1 West Stokes vs. No. 8 Forbush
No. 5 Pisgah vs. No. 4 West Stanly
No. 19 North Surry vs. No. 11 Foard
No. 10 Mount Pleasant vs. No, 2 Bunker Hill
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Southeast Alamance vs. No. 8 C.B. Aycock
No. 5 Seaforth vs. No. 4 Rockingham County
No. 3 Eastern Alamance vs. No. 6 West Carteret
No. 7 South Brunswick vs. No. 2 Southern Nash
No. 1 Enka vs. No. 9 Oak Grove
No. 5 Crest vs. No. 13 West Rowan
No. 3 North Davidson vs. No. 6 Franklin
No. 10 East Rowan vs. No. 2 North Lincoln
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Union Pines vs. No. 9 South Johnston
No. 5 South View vs. No. 4 Gray’s Creek
No. 3 J.H. Rose vs. No. 6 Harnett Central
No. 7 Triton vs. No. 2 West Brunswick
No. 1 Kings Mountain vs. No. 8 Charlotte Catholic
No. 5 Alexander vs. No. 13 T.C. Roberson
No. 3 Piedmont vs. No. 6 Central Cabarrus
No. 10 A.C. Reynolds vs. No. 2 South Caldwell
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 D.H. Conley vs. No. 8 Wake Forest
No. 5 Purnell Sweet vs. No. 4 Cleveland
No. 3 Heritage vs. No. 6 Topsail
No. 7 South Central vs. No. 2 New Bern
No. 1 Weddington vs. No. 8 Mooresville
No. 5 A.L. Brown vs. No. 4 Hickory Ridge
No. 3 East Forsyth vs. No. 11 Porter Ridge
No. 7 Ronald Reagan vs. No. 2 South Iredell
Third Round – May 12
No. 1 Willow Spring vs. No. 4 Hoggard
No. 3 E.A. Laney vs. No. 2 Cornith Holders
No. 1 Providence vs. No. 4 Hough
No. 3 West Forsyth vs. No. 2 Apex Friendship
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North Carolina
Perspective | What North Carolina gets right about workforce: Progress beyond politics
Across the country, workforce development is often framed as a policy challenge. In North Carolina, we’ve come to understand it as something more fundamental: a shared responsibility between educators and employers that works best when it rises above politics. It is a nonpartisan priority with bipartisan support — and a clear focus on outcomes.
North Carolina’s approach to workforce and talent development offers a different model — one grounded in collaboration, consistency, data, and a relentless focus on student and employer needs.
Over the past several years, our state has aligned around an ambitious goal: ensuring that 2 million North Carolinians ages 25-44 hold a high-quality credential or postsecondary degree by 2030. myFutureNC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, led by a bipartisan Board of Directors, that was created to champion this work.
This goal is not owned by a single administration or political party. It is the state’s attainment goal — codified in law with bipartisan support and signed by the governor — to ensure North Carolina remains economically competitive now and into the future. The work is guided by leaders across business, education, policymakers, and philanthropy.
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This kind of alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires trust, discipline, and a willingness to prioritize long-term impact over short-term wins — placing the needs of students and employers above the silos that often define education and workforce systems.
North Carolina’s leaders don’t agree on everything, and unanimity is not what makes this work. There is broad agreement on a set of essential truths: Talent is the top driver of economic development. Education fuels economic prosperity, public safety, and healthier communities. Having a robust educational system and an educated population is one of our state’s greatest assets. Economic mobility matters. And preparing people for meaningful work benefits everyone.
This alignment is delivering results. North Carolina has been named the No. 1 state for business three out of the past four years and ranks No. 1 for workforce — reinforcing what’s possible when leaders stay focused on shared priorities.
This strong foundation has enabled progress in areas that often stall in partisan debate. Through strategic policy and philanthropic investments, the state has expanded pathways into high-demand careers, strengthened connections between education and industry, and increased access to work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
That same foundation is shaping how policy is developed in real time. The proposed Workforce Act of 2026 reflects North Carolina’s cross-sector approach — bringing together business and education leaders, policymakers, and philanthropists to strengthen pathways into high-demand careers and expand access to work-based learning. Rather than introducing a new direction, this Act builds on what is already working, demonstrating how alignment can translate into coordinated action.
The bipartisan-led Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships puts this approach into practice. Building on the state’s existing foundation, the council brings together leaders from industry, education, and government to strengthen coordination across the workforce system. Its value lies not in setting a new direction, but in reinforcing and accelerating a shared one.
This is what it looks like to build systems designed to last. Workforce development is not a one-year initiative or a single funding cycle — it is a long-term investment in people, communities, employers, and the educational infrastructure that supports them. North Carolina’s progress is rooted in structures that bring partners together consistently, align efforts across sectors, and create continuity beyond political cycles.
By embedding collaboration into how the work gets done — not just what gets prioritized — the state has created a model that can evolve over time while staying focused on its goals.
Work remains to be done. Gaps in attainment persist, and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of the state will require continued focus and innovation. But North Carolina’s significant progress and continued success being No. 1 nationally in many related categories demonstrates what is possible when leaders choose partnership over partisanship.
At a time when it’s easy to focus on what divides us, North Carolina offers a reminder: Some of the most important work we do — preparing people for the future of work and ensuring employers have access to skilled talent — is our north star and unifying force.
And in our shared goal of 2 million by 2030, we are not just building a stronger workforce. We are building a stronger state — for today and for generations to come.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — (AP/WNCN) — The remains of a U.S. Army soldier with ties to North Carolina who went missing during military exercises in Morocco a week ago have been recovered in the Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. military said Sunday. Military teams are still searching for a second missing soldier.
The remains found are those of 1st Lt. Kendrick Lamont Key Jr., a 14A Air Defense Artillery officer, who was one of two U.S. soldiers who fell off a cliff during a recreational hike in Morocco while off duty.
Key, 27, from Richmond, Virginia, was a graduate of Methodist University in Fayetteville.
The two were reported missing on May 2 after participating in African Lion, annual multinational military exercises held in Morocco.
Key earned a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Methodist University in Fayetteville, with minors in international business, entrepreneurship, and business administration.
“A Moroccan military search team found the Soldier in the water along the shoreline at approximately 8:55 a.m. local time May 9, within roughly one mile of where both Soldiers reportedly entered the ocean,” U.S Army Europe and Africa said in a statement.
The two went missing around 9 p.m. near the Cap Draa Training Area outside Tan-Tan, a terrain characterized by mountains, desert and semidesert plains, according to the Moroccan military.
Their disappearance triggered a search-and-rescue operation involving more than 600 personnel from the United States, Morocco and other military partners. The operation deployed frigates, vessels, helicopters and drones.
Search efforts will continue for the missing second soldier, a U.S. defense official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to speak publicly on the issue.
The official said a U.S. contingent remained in Morocco after the multinational war games ended Friday to provide command and control and to continue search and rescue operations.
Key was assigned to Charlie Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, U.S Army Europe and Africa said.
He entered military service in 2023 as an officer candidate and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 2024 as an Air Defense Artillery officer. He later completed the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, according to the statement.
Key is survived by his father, Kendrick Key Sr.; his mother, Jihan Key; his sister, Dakota Debose-Hill; and his brother-in-law, U.S. Army Spc. James Brown.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY NEWS
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The search-and-rescue operation, now in its ninth day, has covered more than 12,000 square kilometers of sea and littoral zone, currently adding around 3,000 square kilometers per day.
The soldiers had been taking part in African Lion 26, a U.S.-led exercise launched in April across four countries – Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Senegal – with more than 7,000 personnel from over 30 nations. Since 2004, it has been the largest U.S. joint military exercise in Africa.
In 2012, two U.S. Marines were killed and two others injured during a helicopter crash in Morocco’s southern city of Agadir while taking part in the exercises.
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