Due to the rapidly growing and changing shellfish aquaculture industry in North Carolina, the need for improved communication between shellfish lease applicants, the NC Division of Marine Fisheries (NCDMF) , and the general public is more apparent than ever. In 2019, the NCDMF developed and launched a GIS based web tool that is publicly available with the goal of improving public awareness and transparency of the shellfish leasing process, and compiling resources for applicants pursuing a shellfish lease.
The Shellfish Aquaculture Tool (SAT) provides a single place for shellfish lease applicants to view existing leases, mapped submerged aquatic vegetation, shellfish closures, designated nursery areas, and a number of other designations that directly impact the suitability of an area for shellfish aquaculture. Additionally, as a shellfish lease application is processed, the SAT is updated with the status of the proposed lease so applicants can track their application as it is processed. This has helped decrease staff workload by making information accessible to the public without requiring staff assistance, and improved engagement at public hearings by increasing awareness of proposed shellfish leases.
Feedback has been very positive from staff and stakeholder groups, as the SAT is continually updated to improve functionality and ease of use. This SAT is one of the many ways in which the NCDMF is addressing user conflicts surrounding shellfish leases in North Carolina.