NOAA raids North Carolina seafood market

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officers raided B&J Seafood Market in New Bern, North Carolina, U.S.A. on Wednesday, 26 January.

The seafood market was closed as a result, the New Bern Sun Journal reported.

Two NOAA Fisheries trucks blocked both of the entrances into the market's parking lot while NOAA officers carried several full trash bags and boxes labeled "fresh seafood" to their vehicles, according to the newspaper.

“Multiple customers stopped by the business, but were told to leave by the agents because the business was closed,” the Sun Journal reported.

NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Spokesperson Lauren Gache told the Sun Journal her agency does not comment on open investigations.

A NOAA spokesperson did not immediately respond to SeafoodSource’s request for comment.

The fish market has since reopened, according to its Facebook page.

“We at B & J Seafood would like all of our customers to know that we are open for business and we appreciate all of your support come on in and shop with us!” the business wrote.

Photo courtesy of B&J Seafood Market