Browns Island Policy

Public Affairs, Marine Corps Base

Base officials would like to re-emphasize to the community the importance of no trespassing on Brown's Island and remind users of the Atlantic-Intracoastal Waterway that all creeks and tributaries leading to and around Brown's Island are off limits to protect them from frequent live-fire training exercises conducted in that area and the danger of unexploded ordnance (UXO).

All rules and regulations originate and comply with the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 33 CFR 334.440.

• Absolutely no unauthorized people on any part of the island.

• Boaters traversing the Atlantic-Intracoastal Waterway in close proximity to the island may not stop, tie up or disembark their vessels.

• No crab-pots, fishing with bottom dragging nets, anchoring, or any bottom disturbing activities are allowed anywhere in the vicinity of Brown's Island.

• All other creeks and tributaries in the Brown's Island area are off limits.  This restriction applies to the entire area of Brown's Island and extends into areas outside of the immediate vicinity of Brown's Island, namely part of Saunder's Island and North Onslow Beach.

During periods of nonmilitary use, drift fishing is authorized only in the Waterway and through the main channel of Brown's Inlet.  These actions are being taken to better protect the safety of recreational boaters and fishermen who frequent the area.

Military Police, in concert with U.S. Coast Guard, will continue to regularly patrol the area and issue citations to trespassers that will require an appearance before the federal magistrate in Wilmington.  Violators can be imprisoned up to six months and fined a maximum of $5,000.

Please refer to the photograph below: