North Carolina has the opportunity to increase the economic effect of fisheries management to the entire state with a single bill. HB 353 would make striped bass, red drum and speckled trout game fish.
The sad fact is that for more than 20 years, the state's Marine Fisheries Commission has managed our public resources solely for the benefit of the commercial industry. The appointed commissioners have given more attention to sustaining the incomes of a few over sustaining the resource itself. In doing so, the commission has ignored the sound scientific advice of the state Division of Marine Fisheries and its attempts to balance the interests of all user groups.
The continued decline in the speckled sea trout stock, the directed commercial harvest of red drum and the inability of the Marine Fisheries Commission to address wasteful commercial fishing practices of striped bass mean that it is time to protect these fish. It is time for North Carolina to fall in line with Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas, which protect some or all of these fish.
From a commercial fisheries standpoint, these species do not appear to be very important to their viability. Very few, if any, commercial fishermen are dependent on harvests of these three species. In 2009, the three species combined made up less than 2 percent of the total commercial harvest in this state. According to the Division of Marine Fisheries, only 87 commercial participants made more than $2,000 last year off of the sale of these fish.
On the other hand, the recreational fishery for striped bass, speckled sea trout and red drum is very important. Collectively, these three species account for a large proportion of all recreational fishing trips taken in North Carolina. Recreational fishing and the businesses that support it are very important to the state's economy.
North Carolina has an opportunity to become an economic powerhouse for inshore fishing. With our already strong tourism industry, giving these three species game fish status has the potential to increase recreational fishing effort. This, in turn, will create more jobs, at no expense to the state.
When HB 353 becomes law, North Carolinians will still be able to enjoy seafood. The states listed all have thriving commercial fishing industries and fresh fish in restaurants. Under HB 353, over 97 percent of North Carolina's harvested seafood will still make it to market. Consumers will continue to have choices.
When you filter out the emotion and rhetoric, this debate comes down to a decision of what is best for the people of North Carolina. That has not always been a priority in the management of our marine resources. It is time for a fresh look at the facts surrounding these fisheries. Do we want to keep repeating history or do we want to create new pathways for economic growth? We believe HB 353 is the path to a better future for North Carolina.
Stephen Ammons is executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association of N.C.
