Fishing is a popular sport in the Latino community. And the data confirms it: Hispanic participation in recreational fishing grew by 45% in the last decade. And between 2021 and 2022 alone, the number of Latin fishermen It went from 4.7 million to 5.1 million in the country, according to a report by the Hispanic Access Foundation.
However, access to information about fishing regulations in North Carolina is essential for those who practice this sport, including citizens, legal residents, and undocumented individuals.
In our state A license is required to fish in public waters. But the type of permit depends on the location: it's not the same to fish in freshwater, in coastal areas, or in areas where both jurisdictions overlap.
The issue also raises concerns among immigrant communities about the possible interactions with officersBy 2025, a Honduran man was transferred to ICE custody Following an investigation into fishing violations in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, the Justice Department stated that a warrant had already been issued. deportation definitive against him.
Can a person without documents obtain a fishing license?
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission confirmed to Enlace Latino NC that people who don't have social Security number Those who do not wish to provide the last four digits can call the customer service department to request an exemption from that requirement.
The agency's official materials also state that anyone using a fishing license must carry photo identification and show it if requested by a wildlife officer.
Anna Gurney, the commission's public relations manager, explained that people who complete the process online are not required to submit documentation during the initial process.
According to Gurney, when the application is made through an authorized agent, a driver's license or a state ID to enter the information into the system.
The agency also indicated that a passport can be accepted as identification. However, if the document does not include a North Carolina address, the person will likely be registered as a nonresident unless they provide additional documentation proving residency in the state.
Enlace Latino NC He also reviewed the state portal used to create accounts and apply for fishing licenses. Among the available identification options are the passport, foreign driver's license, and the US visa, the Green Card and other forms of identification.
Concern over unlicensed fishing
Stefania Arteaga, from Carolina Migrant NetworkHe said that the concern of some immigrants lies not in fishing as an activity, but in any interaction with local authorities.
Arteaga explained that in North Carolina, there are collaborative agreements between sheriffs and immigration authorities, like program 287(g)They cause minor infractions to generate fear among undocumented people.
“The problem is that any type of arrest that occurs in North Carolina can cause someone to be detained and turned over to ICE,” Arteaga told Enlace Latino NC .
Regarding fishing licenses for undocumented immigrants, Arteaga noted that he knows some undocumented individuals who do have fishing licenses in North Carolina. However, he said that, given the current immigration climate, many people continue to avoid situations that could lead to contact with law enforcement officials.
“I believe that the best step is to seek the license anyway,” he said.
Related: Heading to the beach? Find out which Carolina counties have 287(g) agreements with ICE
What are the fishing permits in North Carolina?
North Carolina has different types of fishing licenses depending on where you plan to fish. The main categories are inland, for freshwater fishing, such as Africanand coastal, for fishing in coastal areas and in saltwater. There is also a "unified" license, which combines both permits.
Licenses can be purchased for 10 days, a full year, or, in some cases, for life. The state also offers special permits for minors, senior citizens, and some people with disabilities.
In areas where freshwater and coastal waters meet, known as "joint waters," either license may be valid depending on the specific area. Therefore, the Wildlife Resources Commission recommends verifying which type of permit is required before going fishing.
Where can I get a fishing license in North Carolina?
Fishing licenses in North Carolina can be purchased online, by phone, or through authorized agents in various parts of the state, including sporting goods stores and some supermarkets, such as Walmart.
The portal used to create accounts and purchase permissions is Go Outdoors North CarolinaThere is also telephone support at 833-950-0575 for inquiries about licenses and permits.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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