MOREHEAD CITY — The state’s marine fisheries division is reminding fishermen that license offices in Elizabeth City and Washington may experience unplanned, short-term closures due to a temporary shortage of personnel. These offices will additionally close daily for lunch until further notice.

A license position is currently vacant in each of the offices, leaving no backup for lunch or other unavoidable emergencies. Lunch typically runs from noon to 1 p.m., but these vacancies could potentially cause unexpected office closures at other times should the remaining staff call in sick or need to be off for other reasons.

The division will make every effort to run these offices on a normal schedule, but temporary closings may be necessary until a backup from another office can arrive.

Those who wish to visit one of these license offices should call ahead to ensure the office is open. The numbers for the Elizabeth City office are 252-264-3911 or 800-338-7805; the numbers for the Washington office are 252-946-6481 or 800-338-7804.

Those who need to purchase a recreational fishing license or vessel registration can do so at the nearest Wildlife Agent. A list of these agents can be found at www.ncwildlife.org. Recreational fishing licenses may also be purchased online at the same web address.

Commercial fishermen may renew their licenses at any of the other N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries license offices or through the mail. License applications and renewal forms can be downloaded from the division website at deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/marine-fisheries.

Customers may also call 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632 for more information, license questions or to request an application by mail.

For more information, contact Division License and Statistics Section Chief Stephanie McInerny at 252-808-8099 or Stephanie.McInerny@ncdenr.gov.