Flounder plan - Page 3 Curtain call - Page 4

Spring 2019 A FREE quarterly publication of Coastal Conservation Association- New events - Page 12 Study: Rec spending slashed By Rip Woodin angler trips.” CCA NC Editor The Division’s data seems to support what the recre- ational sector has been saying for two decades: Manage- A 2016 update of a N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries ment failures are killing the goose that lays the golden economic study based on 2009 data shows expenditures eggs driving the economies of our coastal communities by recreational saltwater fishermen has been slashed and many other businesses throughout the state, he nearly in half creating losses of $800 million and 10,434 continued. jobs, said Rick Sasser, a concerned fisherman from Crosson’s original study surveyed a pool of 625 an- Goldsboro. glers taken from Coastal Recreational Fishing License In an email to DMF Director Steve Murphey, Sasser data. Of that number, 509 were active anglers while 116 said, “What has me extremely concerned is the vast dif- were inactive. From those responses, he calculated all ference in Total Economic Effect between the two stud- recreational fishermen took 7,247,000 trips with an av- ies. In 2009, Dr. Scott Crosson found the Total Econom- erage expenditure of $133 per trip. This did not include ic Effect of saltwater angler trips to be $1,602,722,304. the purchase of durable goods like boats and tackle. In 2016, Adam Stemle and Maura Condon updat- “The estimated $1.6 billion economic impact attribut- ed Crosson’s analysis and found the total effect to be ed to recreational fishing trip expenditures is a signif- $802,458,624. In seven years, N.C. lost $800 million in annual economic impact that is generated by saltwater See STUDY, 2

MFC blocks striped bass Eric Vick shows off a nice striper he caught last harvest; orders nets pulled season in the waters of the Tar/Pam/Neuse By Rip Woodin & Wildlife Service. CCA NC Editor Procedurally, the commission ordered Rivers system Steve Murphey, director of the N.C. Divi- in the Central In what seems like the first pro-resource sion of Marine Fisheries, to issue a proc- Southern ruling in decades, the N.C. Marine Fisher- lamation closing the waters of the Central Management ies Commission halted both recreational Southern Management Area that extend Area of North and commercial harvest of striped bass in from just south of Oregon Inlet to the South Carolina. the estuarine waters of primarily the Tar, Carolina line. The waters impacted include Pamlico and Neuse rivers at its February the Pamlico and Core Sounds and the Tar, 2019 meeting. Pamlico, Pungo, Bay, Neuse and White The radical action was taken on a 5-4 Oak rivers along with their tributaries. vote to preserve two unusually large year Murphey’s proclamation effective March classes of fish from 2014 and 2015 that 11 closed the area to harvest but did not appeared in the lower Neuse and Pamli- require all large mesh gill nets be removed co rivers confounding biologists because from the affected waters as the MFC also there had been little natural reproduction requested. Instead, he ordered a year- in years. By stopping all harvest, the com- round 36-inch tie-down and 50-yard dis- mission hopes the fish will boost natural tance from shore requirement. In a letter, spawning in these waters that primarily contain only fish stocked by the U.S. Fish See STRIPED BASS, 2 2 CCA NC Spring 2019

5,411,329 excursions worth nearly $191 the total economic effect of both studies the decline in fish stocks. In Crosson’s STUDY per trip. Explaining their methodology, should increase, but so will the economic study, 83 percent of the anglers targeted they wrote, “The economic sectors most loss. Roughly, if new modeling increases flounder as their top choice followed by From Page 1 affected by trip expenditures in the rec- effort by two times, then the annual loss spot at 70 percent, speckled trout 69 per- reational fishery are retail sport stores, will double from $800 million to $1.6 bil- cent with red drum and bluefish in fourth icant contribution to the coastal econo- hotels, charter services, retail food stores lion, he said. and fifth places respectively. Flounder re- my,” Crosson wrote, “particularly during and gas stations. These sectors create These two studies appear to be “apples mained the top choice of fishermen in the a time when other economic engines such indirect effects, defined as changes in to apples,” Sasser concluded. 2016 update but only 47 percent targeted as development have declined.” He noted inter-industry transactions as supplying “If they accurately portray the decline the stock. that his calculations follow numbers from industries respond to increased demands in recreational angler economic impact, Red drum moved into second place at similar federal surveys for North Caroli- from the directly affected industries. it is alarming and supports action in the 40 percent with trout at 37 percent fol- na. These sectors also create induced effects legislature and within the administra- lowed by black drum and grey trout. Spot In 2009, the industry then created a that reflect changes in local spending, tion.” tumbled to sixth place targeted by 25 per- direct employment of 12,424 jobs worth which result from income changes in the A spokeswoman for the Division could cent of anglers. $295 million in payroll. There were an- directly and indirectly affected industry not explain how the updated study was Water pollution, regulations and fuel other 5,334 indirect jobs valued at an- sectors.” used by either the DMF or Marine Fish- prices were the three top issues facing other $213 million. By 2016, direct em- It is important to note that neither of eries Commission because the economist fishermen in 2009. Overfishing/too few ployment had fallen to 4,845 jobs worth these two studies is based on the updat- position is vacant. Neither could the Divi- fish was listed as number five. In 2016, $172.4 million while indirect labor ed NOAA federal Marine Recreational sion explain why the study was published keeping up with regulations rose to the dropped to 2,479 jobs valued at $113.1 Information Program data in which new in July 2017 but did not get posted on the most cited issue followed by water qual- million. modeling increased recreational effort DMF website until April 2019. ity and weather. Overfishing dropped a In the updated study, Stemle and Con- by at least two-fold, maybe more, Sasser There were other interesting compari- spot to number five while fuel prices tum- don figured recreational fishermen made wrote. Once that data is incorporated, sons between the two studies that mirror bled to number eight.

leased dead under the no-possession joint waters of the CSMA. In addition, STRIPED BASS rules,” Sneed continued. the WRC proclamation also closed the The proclamation took effect March striped bass season in all remaining in- From Page 1 18, and the closure is expected to contin- land waters it manages. ue for about two years until Amendment “CCA NC is not opposed to commer- he told the commission that gill nets are 2 to the N. C. Estuarine Striped Bass cial fishing, but we are firmly opposed not the primary or even the most signif- Fishery Management Plan is adopted, to the use of destructive gear that is icant source of discard mortality in the said a DMF news release. Amendment contributing to the decline of our state’s CSMA striped bass fishery. 2 could continue the provision or recom- fisheries,” Sneed said. “We are at the This prompted the MFC to call a high- mend other management actions. point with fisheries management in ly unusual emergency meeting March Besides coastal waters managed by North Carolina where the Division of 13, and by another 5-4 vote, order the DMF, the closure includes water joint- Marine Fisheries scientists are recom- removal of gill nets since the gear would ly managed with the N.C. Wildlife Re- mending that we close fisheries in order undoubtedly entrap striped bass as they sources Commission. These include up- to save them. That’s a testament to the move up stream to spawn. The order, stream of the Bayview/Aurora Ferry in sad state of affairs,” Sneed said. “Fur- praised by conservationists, earned the the Pamlico River system and upstream ther disheartening is the division’s re- ire of the Governor’s Office voiced in a of the Minnesott Beach/Cherry Branch fusal to address the problems caused by statement by N.C. Department of Envi- Ferry in the Neuse River system. At the the large mesh gill net fishery.” ronmental Quality Secretary Michael S. March 13 meeting, the Marine Fisheries The no-possession limit on CSMA Regan. Commission also passed a motion ask- striped bass was the first case, he con- “The commission used bad judgment ing the Wildlife Resources Commission tinued. “Next comes Southern flounder in directing the Division of Marine Fish- cial meeting in Kinston. “We agree with to adopt a year-round closed season for where DMF scientists have stated that eries director to take actions that contra- the five commissioners who submitted striped bass for recreational harvest in a 72 percent reduction in total harvest dict science and the recommendations of letters requesting action on gill net mor- joint fishing waters. is needed this year to stop the 30-year the division’s scientists,” Regan said in a tality to provide protection for the two The Division of Marine Fisheries decline in Southern flounder stocks.” press release. Then somewhat ominous- surprising year classes of native striped briefly had delayed implementation of The harvest bans will not impact ly, he added, “I certainly hope this is not bass on the Pamlico and Neuse rivers.” the no-possession measure for the recre- striped bass fishing in the Atlantic a precedent we will see again from this In addition to the harvest ban, Sneed ational fishery in joint fishing waters be- Ocean, Albemarle Sound Management commission.” said removing gill nets was needed to re- cause it was inconsistent with Wildlife Area, Roanoke River Management Area Gov. Roy Cooper appointed the com- duce striped bass by-catch mortality as Resources Commission management and inland waters under the jurisdiction mission chairman and several of the commercial fisherman sought other spe- measures for those waters that set dif- of the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commis- members who voted for the proclama- cies like speckled trout and spot. ferent size and creel limits. sion, a DMF release clarified. tions. “Unlike the high probability for sur- That changed March 29 when Mur- The change also will not impact the CCA NC Executive Director David vival in the recreational catch and re- phey and Wildlife Resources Commis- River and its tributaries, Sneed applauded the pro-resource ac- lease effort, any striped bass caught sion Executive Director Gordon Myers where a no-possession rule already ex- tion taken by the MFC during the spe- in gill nets will almost certainly be re- issued consistent proclamations for ists. Spring 2019 CCA NC 3 Action to restore Southern flounder likely

By Rip Woodin CCA NC Editor Southern flounder over the years A 20-year wait for a fisheries management solution to rescue collapsing Southern flounder stocks may come to an end this August when the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission hopes to • 2002-2013, Various DMF staff reports labeled Southern adopt significant harvest reductions before the flounder as “overfished” then “depleted.” fall season when most flounder are caught, said • 2005, Southern flounder management plan adopted. David Sneed, executive director of CCA NC. • February 2013, Southern flounder management plan The reductions were dictated after a 2018 amended. coast-wide stock assessment confirmed that flounder are overfished and overfishing is still • 2014, DMF stock assessment concluded the stock was occurring, said Dr. Chris Elkins, a retired UNC- “overfished” and “overfishing” was ongoing but it didn’t pass CH microbiologist and chairman of CCA NC’s peer review because it didn’t reflect coast-wide data. fisheries committee. In simple terms, overfished • November 2015, The MFC adopts a supplemental flounder means the population size is too small while over- plan. fishing means the removal rate is too high. The • October 2016, a lawsuit by the N.C. Fisheries Association two-step recovery strategy proposed is to imple- wins an injunction to stop the DMF from shutting down the fall ment Amendment 2 to stop overfishing this year flounder season. and later in Amendment 3 to adopt regulations that would restore the overfished stock within 10 • December 2017, a revised stock assessment including 2015 years as mandated by law. data from neighboring states passes peer review with the The Southern Flounder Fisheries Manage- proviso that DMF add in 2016-17 landing data from the four ment Advisory Committee voted in March to participating states. recommend a 31 percent cut, the minimum • November 2018, the updated assessment continues to show amount that would end overfishing, in an across flounder is “overfished” and “overfishing” is continuing. the board harvest reduction this fall for all gears used by both recreational and commercial fisher- • December 2018, the Southern Flounder Fishery Management men. This would be followed in 2020 by a 52 per- Plan Advisory Committee begins work on Amendment 2 to the cent reduction including a complicated formula flounder management plan. to reward commercial fishing gears that are least • May 15-17, 2019 Marine Fisheries Commission meeting in destructive, a step in the right direction. With Davis Boyd of Wilson loves catches flounder. Jacksonville. The commission is expected to vote on approval to four recreational and four commercial represen- take draft Amendment 2 to the Southern Flounder FMP out for tatives on the Advisory Committee, together they public and advisory committee review. crafted a compromise that garnered two commer- Regan has asked the division to delay drastic • Monday, June 3, 2019 Finfish Advisory Committee/Northern cial votes enabling it to pass 6-2. action on measures to rebuild the stock in 10 The MFC will consider the recommendations years to allow North Carolina time to coordinate Regional Advisory Committee/Southern Regional Advisory of the Advisory Committee on Amendment 2 at Southern flounder management with the other Committee combined meeting in Morehead City. This combined its May meeting along with other recommenda- southeastern states, according to a DEQ press meeting of the commission’s committees would include staff tions from biologists on the N.C. Division of Ma- release. Without this coordination, management presentations on the stock assessment and public comment. rine Fisheries staff. measures may not work, he said. • Monday, June 3, 2019 Southern Flounder Advisory Committee After a stock assessment is done, DMF biologists With a convoluted series of reviews required meeting, in Morehead City. Staff would provide an overview of calculate the minimum cuts that would recover before adoption, MFC Chairman Rob Bizzell has the public and committee input. the stocks in 10 years, in theory. This is called the indicated he will call special meetings to move • Thursday, June 6, 2019 Marine Fisheries Commission special threshold and the percentage cut calculated was through the regulatory process in time to enact meeting, in Beaufort. The commission is expected to vote on its 52 percent. Another calculation, called a target, is new rules for the fall flounder season, David preferred management strategy for draft Amendment 2 to the provided to create a buffer due to uncertainty, such Sneed said. Steps include a 30-day public com- Southern Flounder FMP. as untoward environmental events, poor spawning ment period if a draft reduction is adopted at the year classes and most important, changes in fish- May meeting, followed by review of the comments • Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Southern Flounder Advisory ermen’s behavior. The threshold would require by the Advisory Committee. The MFC has to vote Committee meeting. a 72 percent cut, a figure that division scientists a second time then send it to the legislature for • Aug. 21-23, 2019 Marine Fisheries Commission meeting, touted during the Advisory Committee meetings a rules review. After that the reductions could be Raleigh. The commission is expected to vote on final approval until the last hearing March 6. adopted at the MFC’s August meeting and be im- of Amendment 2 to the Southern Flounder FMP. Management N.C. Department of Environmental Quality plemented by proclamation before the fall. measures would be implemented by proclamation. Secretary Michael Regan reportedly thinks this is too high for commercial fishermen to endure. See FLOUNDER, 6 4 CCA NC Spring 2019

CCA NC is a non- profit community of Fisheries management: Looking behind the curtain recreational anglers working to protect orth Carolinians can rightfully up stream of the ferries from Minnesott our marine resources be puzzled about the state of to Cherry Branch and from Bayview to for future generations Nour inshore fisheries manage- PRESIDENT’S REPORT Aurora. to experience and ment. Since our Fisheries Reform Act While the allowed commercial catch enjoy. was passed in 1997, most of our state managed stocks have steadily of these fish is met early each spring, the nets stayed in the water declined. Despite calls for change, this decline continues. killing fish all year. The only real chance to take advantage of this CCA NC Officers Recent events in our management of striped bass, rock to opportunity to get our fish back was to get the nets out. Even those of us who grew up here, highlights this bewildering before these two natural year classes were known, CCA NC n Billy Byrd - Chairman state of affairs. Our stock of stripers from the Pamlico Riv- had spotlighted the need to stop the waste of these fish in n Bert Owens - President er to the South Carolina line has been kept on life support public comment before the commission, on social media and for years by yearly stocking of hatchery raised fingerlings. face to face with regulators and politicians. n Jeff Akin - Vice Pres In the meantime we have wisely been removing dams on The money, about $600,000 a year for stocking these fish, n Rocky Carter - Vice Pres these rivers that had hindered the natural spawning runs. came from an excise tax on recreational fishing gear through Sampling by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission the U.S. Fish & Wildlife recreational angling program. This n Keith Johnson - Vice Pres found evidence of two naturally spawned year classes of BERT money was being spent as intended, but the effectiveness of n Ron McCoy - Vice Pres stripers swimming in our waters. CCA NC and others were the program was blocked by a commercial net fishery that is n out front and consistent in urging the N.C. Marine Fisher- OWENS worth about $60,000 a year spread among many. Donald Willis - Vice Pres President n ies Commission and the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Fast forward to this past February’s Marine Fisheries Will Moose - Treasurer to take action to preserve these fish while the opportuni- Commission meeting in Williamston. I was able to attend n Rip Woodin - Sec/Editor ty presented itself to kick-start a naturally occurring fishery, as it Wednesday night’s session along with our Executive Director David once was. But what could be done? Sneed and several other CCA members who regularly attend giving CCA NC Staff N.C. Wildlife had in hand well regarded studies showing that the the resource a voice. primary roadblock to rebuilding the striper stock for years has been What was really heartening was the large number of anglers, n David Sneed dead discards from gill nets. Other data was available showing the majority of these discards were in the Neuse and Pamlico rivers, See CURTAIN, 6 Executive Director n Joe Neely Western Regional Director n Matthew Wallin More legislators open to fisheries issues Eastern Regional Director n Cindy Davis egislation affecting coastal marine rent paralysis over North Carolina fisher- Republican caucus on May 2. That’s a re- Administration resources is always a hot topic at ies through simple fishing rules establish- quirement for any legislation to reach the Lthe General Assembly, and this long ing minimum size limits for recreational floor. session is no different. CCA NC will make and commercial fishing. It Some members of the caucus were not CCA NC some headway in its fight to preserve es- would give the N.C. Ma- present to vote so Yarborough is trying to 4809 Hargrove Road tuarine and marine resources if House Bill rine Fisheries Commission round up a few more votes to reach the ma- Suite 123 483 survives. a statutory requirement jority of 33 favorable in the 65-member Re- It’s interesting that more legislators are how to manage fish stocks; publican caucus. The bill is on life support Raleigh, N.C., 27616 talking about fisheries issues this year it would take the politics but there’s still a chance. 919-781-3474 and want the two sides (recreational and out of the process. The House Bill 486, “Commercial Fishing www.ccanc.org commercial) to come together and compro- pushback is such a require- License Reform,” did not get enough fa- mise. Jerry Schill, the lobbyist for the com- ment doesn’t work on every vorable votes in the caucus and is not go- mercial N.C. Fisheries Association is also DAVID species, like red drum, but ing anywhere. It would have amended the Published free of charge talking about working together and CCA SNEED there are ways around that Coastal Fishing License statutes to ease by CCA NC NC is always willing to listen. Executive such as slot limits. the regulatory burdens and enhance access House Bill 483, “Let Them Spawn,” Director The bill’s primary spon- to fisheries for bona fide commercial fisher- Check out our website at seeks to establish a minimum size limit for sor, Rep. Larry Yarbor- men. Rep. Yarborough also presented the www.ccanc.org to join us each historically significant marine fishery ough (Person, Granville), presented it in bill to the Wildlife Resources Committee, in our fight to preserve species to ensure that 75 percent of the ju- the Wildlife Resources Committee in late which approved it. recreational angling for venile fish at that size have reached matu- April. Although it passed a committee vote The N.C. Fisheries Association’s oppo- future generations. Annual rity and had the opportunity to spawn at with opposition only from Rep. George sition to the legislation appears to center memberships are available least once. Cleveland, (Onslow) and Rep. Larry Pitt- around the increase in the commercial li- starting at $30. “Let them spawn before they are gone” man (Cabarrus, Rowan), the bill fell a few offers a straightforward solution to the cur- votes shy of earning endorsement from the See LEGISLATORS, 9 Spring 2019 CCA NC 5 Guides predict good fishing this spring

By Rip Woodin may be 8-12 pounds here, skinny and CCA NC Editor spawned out but the big blues will be up to 15 pounds by September further north, With the chilly, wet spring chased off he added. by warming temperatures, coastal fish- By July and August, water tempera- ing will pick up quickly from mid April, tures dictate bottom fishing. There will be through May and into June, two veteran a short snapper season in July. Spanish guides predict as anticipation of that first and smaller bluefish will be around all hard pull grows. summer, Roller concluded, “while amber- Capt. Tom Roller of Waterdog Guide jack will be offshore and the red drum will Service in Morehead City started the out- move on to the grass flats on a flood tide.” look with striped bass, explaining that The season begins about a month ear- the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries has lier in the Wilmington area, said Capt. closed some rivers to harvest while oth- Seth Vernon of Doublehaul Guide Ser- ers remain open leading to some angler vice. The bonito started in mid April and confusion. The Tar/Pamlico and Neuse respond to Clouser flies or Kastmaster rivers are closed to harvesting any fish lures, Vernon said. The big bluefish arrive but they can still be fished, Roller said, about the same time and can be found in just all striped bass have to be released Rich’s Inlet near or to protect two large and unexpected year western creeks around . He classes that could help the population in throws a popper fly or a Top Dog Junior those rivers recover. from MirrOlure. The blues will jump like The Roanoke River is in a different a snook when hooked in shallow water so management area where fishermen can hang on. keep two fish daily between 18-22 inches After the bonito and blues, come the until May 1 when the season closes. The larger Spanish followed next by cobia, he Roanoke has a bigger population of striped said. There usually aren’t as many cobia bass because of much better spawning in the Wilmington area as off Atlantic success. Roller loves to fish the Roanoke Beach. “But the big message is the ho- in May because it’s less crowded and the tels, marinas and restaurants have been fish are feisty before and after spawning. rebuilt from the damage caused by Hurri- He drifts the river throwing a top water cane Florence. A lot of infrastructure has lure or fly at the banks. Soft plastics also been refurbished and is better than ever,” work as the sun comes up, he added. he added. “Wrightsville Beach and Wilm- In coastal waters, Roller said there ington are open for business.” is an abundance of small speckled trout Red drum tailing in the spartina grass around since there were no major cold started in mid April and the speckled stuns, which will lead to an outstanding trout spawn is about over. They can be fall season. “Last year, the fish were 10-12 Photo by Doug Mumford found all summer and fall along the inches, now the 2-year-old trout are 13-15 Savannah Mumford holding a striped bass proves spring fishing is warming brackish water lines in the Cape Fear inches and will grow to 16-20 inches by up with the weather. River around Wilmington and the New the fall,” Roller said. River from Jacksonville up to Swansboro, In the ocean, anyone can be a fisher- Vernon said. man in May. “The nice thing about May is al regulations are similar to last year. The year class — not the worst and not the The brackish water line varies depend- you don’t know what’s on the end of your 36-inch minimum fork length remains in best — Roller said, but he hasn’t heard ing on rain but will be somewhere be- line,” he continued. It could be a very edi- place May 1-Dec. 31. In May, anglers can reports yet of fish numbers. tween Snow’s Cut and downtown Wilm- ble one- or two-pound bonito as they push keep one fish per person per day through The big, “chopper,” bluefish can show up ington on the Cape Fear while it will be through migrating northward, a Spanish May with a maximum of two fish in a any time from April through May. “They around Duck Creek and Stone’s Bay on mackerel or bluefish. They can show up boat. That number drops to one fish per could be anywhere or nowhere because it the New River. In the fall, bigger trout anywhere from early April through mid boat from June through December. doesn’t happen every year,” he said. The from Chesapeake Bay and Pamlico Sound May. Roller said he believes king mackerel best place to look for them is at the Cape show up as they migrate south. The main event is in late May into June fishing will be good this summer because Lookout rock jetty or in Back Sound be- As the temperature warms, the phone when the cobia start showing up. “It’s of a big year class. Large red drum schools hind Shackleford Banks. Top water lures starts ringing as anglers start thinking anyone’s guess what the cobia season will from the winter will break up in late May can draw vicious strikes. “Throw rusty about fishing. So Vernon urged fishermen be like this year,” Roller said. “Last year as the fish move into their summer pat- stuff from the bottom of your tackle box,” who need a spring “tug” to call their favor- was disappointing.” The 2019 recreation- terns during June. There was a decent he joked, because it will be mauled. They ite guide now. 6 CCA NC Spring 2019

and a break to anglers for a change? Why CURTAIN does a DEQ secretary make a pointed From Page 4 statement against a pro resource move by the governor’s commission? Why does old and young, who made this trip to a a governor, who issued a very pro re- remote location then took their turn at sources statement prior to his 2016 elec- the microphone in a room half full of an tion, have his DEQ secretary criticize his unfriendly crowd to say get the nets off commission? these fish before it’s too late. Fast forward again to mid April and A motion was made and passed “ask- ponder newly introduced Senate Bill 554 ing” DMF Director Stephen Murphey to that would transfer much of the MFC’s issue a proclamation closing the waters power to the DMF, effectively preventing above the ferry lines to netting and rec- such resource friendly action from hap- reational harvest for two years until an pening again. Obviously DEQ and DMF amendment to the striped bass manage- see saving these fish for two years as a ment plan is completed. loss so they want to change the rules. Sounds good, right? In fact it was We can’t fully pull back the curtain ground breaking for N.C. Yet the con- for the proclamation removing the nets stated he “certainly hopes this was not a on the Oz of fishery management, but sensus among those who have followed and giving the fish a chance. The proc- precedent we will see again.” by their consistent actions trying to “the process” for years was that Director lamation was grudgingly issued several Such actions are why I say the people stop progress and conservation we get a Murphey would not comply. This was days later. have a need to see behind the curtain of glimpse of who is behind the curtain, and confirmed several days later in his letter Then an odd occurrence happened. fisheries management in North Carolina. they are not for managing our fishery for to the commission. They then had the op- Murphey’s boss, N.C. Department of When provided a well regarded study all the people. We will be exasperated tion of accepting no for an answer or call- Environmental Quality Secretary Mi- showing gill nets as the major killer of and bewildered at times, but we will not ing another meeting to instruct the direc- chael Regan, issued a written statement stocked striped bass in our rivers, why give up. We need even more voices to stop tor to issue the proclamation. Kudos go to publicly criticizing Gov. Roy Cooper’s ap- did the DMF director feel compelled to the bureaucrats from continuing to spend MFC Chairman Rob Bizzell for promptly pointed commission for calling the second pay for their own study to counter it? Ob- the people’s fish while not saving any for calling another meeting and to all the pro meeting and for “using bad judgment” viously to maintain status quo, but why the future. resource commissioners for again voting directing these actions. Regan further don’t they want to give the fish a chance Get on board.

gill nets and shrimp trawlers from our for to at least get some relief from the can down the road so now it’s time to pay FLOUNDER inshore waters,” he continued. “Every- gill nets, he added. the piper.” one who follows the decline in Southern DMF biologist Mike Loeffler said af- Regardless of the reduction percent- From Page 3 flounder knows there is a direct connec- ter Amendment 2, the Advisory Com- age adopted, some commercial fish- tion. The MFC cannot ignore the prob- mittee could continue working on the ermen may not fish and just drop out. Sneed said Southern flounder is a de- lem any longer.” longer term management measures for This would help flounder but it may help fining moment for CCA NC. “We’ve got When he was working the member- Amendment 3. other depleted stocks as well. the striped bass and Southern flounder ship table at the George Povoromo fish- “The mandate from Murphey is to act “The turnout by recreational fisher- issues both at the same time and both ing seminar in January, Sneed said nine now to save the fishery. This is the action men during recent striped bass meetings are entangled with gill nets. out of 10 people who stopped by to talk we want to force,” Sneed explained, say- resulted in conservation-based decisions “We know as an organization that the asked if CCA was ever going to do any- ing he was impressed that Loeffler and by the MFC and continued engagement best and fastest way to restore our coast- thing about the nets. This is the oppor- the Division are pushing back against by anglers will undoubtedly impact fu- al resources would be through removing tunity a lot of people have been looking inaction. Years ago the MFC “kicked the ture decisions,” Elkins said.

Official sunglasses of the CCA NC Spring 2019 CCA NC 7 New River oyster habitat nearly complete

By David Sneed CCA NC Executive Director

The weather cooperated enough over the last two weeks for work to really start cranking up on the final phase of the New River Oyster Highway project near Jacksonville. CCA NC members joined forces with the City of Jack- sonville staff, students from the UNC Institute of Ma- rine Sciences and commercial fishermen to build oyster castles, harvest the oyster catchers and move it all out onto the six new oyster reef sites in the New River. The oyster catchers were removed from Bogue Sound and the Newport River where they have been growing the new oysters that will be the start of the new Oys- ter Highway. The oyster catchers were placed on each of the six new reef sites in preparation for building the oyster reefs next week. These oyster catchers allowed volunteers to put 4.6 million oysters onto the New River Oyster Highway. These past two weeks have seen a lot of hard work by dedicated individuals, but it has also been a very re- warding experience for those who have had a chance to be a part of actually building this project. “It is a very cool experience and I encourage anyone who has some time and energy they could donate to get involved,” said Matthew Wallin, CCA NC’s eastern regional director. Perhaps Rocky Carter and John Rouse said it best At top, volunteers when they termed it a “legacy project.” It will be a proud handle oyster catchers moment to be out fishing on the New River with your recently, which will children, grandchildren and friends in the future and be be the foundation of able to point out the reefs that make up the Oyster High- reefs that continue way and say, “I helped build that.” to clean water in We need volunteers to help finish this work. We need the New River near volunteers who can get in the water, so waders and wet- Jacksonville. At left, suits are needed, and help move the oyster catchers and after a long day in the oyster castles into place to finish the structure of the six water, volunteers pose new reefs. for a photo. If you are interested in volunteering your time, boat and effort, please contact us. Work one day, or all week. For more information or call: Rocky Carter, CCA NC Habitat Committee Chair- man, (336) 423-9100; or Matthew Wallin, CCA NC Eastern Regional Director, Photos by Matthew Wallin (757) 508-3980.

CCA NC Official cooler of CCA NC Become a CCA sponsor and reach 6,000-plus readers digitally and in print. Call David Sneed for more information at 919-781-3480 or email at [email protected] 8 CCA NC Spring 2019

Volunteers repair docks

Membership drive offers ATV, other outdoor prizes

Instead of a 60/40 cash drawing, cial edition rod and reel as part of the CCA NC is holding a prize raffle worth prize package, Sneed continued. $8,000, David Sneed, executive director In years past, tickets have been $100, of CCA, recently announced. but entries for this raffle will only be The Onslow Bay chapter of CCA NC helped rebuild docks at the Salt A CFMoto 500S all terrain vehicle is $25, and if someone buys a $50 Coast- Water Grill in downtown Swansboro in early April. Sixteen members at the top of the prize list, he said. To al Caretaker membership, a free raffle volunteered a day of their time to rebuild almost 2,000 square feet further equip the outdoorsman, CCA ticket comes with it. CCA NC hopes to of docks destroyed by in September 2018 NC is including a Yamaha 1600 watt sell all 1,000 tickets before the drawing generator, an Engel 35 quart cooler, a is held in November after the final ban- pair of Costa sunglasses and a CCA spe- quet of 2019, Sneed said.

Marine Insurance Specialists www.CharterLakes.com

Marine Insurance Specialists www.CharterLakes.com Spring 2019 CCA NC 9 LEGISLATORS

From Page 4 cense fee and the loss of part time fishermen. That was enough to kill it in the caucus. The Senate agricultural, natural and economic re- sources committee approved SB 554, “Marine Fisher- ies Reform,” an act to change the management of ma- rine fisheries in North Carolina. There is very little in DEQ’s Senate Bill 554 that would serve to protect or enhance state public trust fisheries resources. Rather, in es- sence, it is a thinly veiled attempt to shift policymaking authority for coastal fisheries resources manage- ment from the Commission to the Di- vision and DEQ. This is diametrically inconsistent with the way that wild- life resources have historically been managed in the state. In contrast, YARBOROUGH House Bill 810 offers revisions to FRA 97 that would change the state’s cur- rent management standard from “maximum exploita- tion” to one of “responsible exploitation” given the pub- lic trust nature of coastal fisheries resources and the fiduciary responsibility of state fisheries managers to ensuring sustainable marine and estuarine fisheries and habitats for the benefit and health of the people of North Carolina. Instead of rewriting the statutes to give control of necessary to end overfishing immediately. the fisheries management plan process to the Division House Bill 169 would name the loggerhead sea tur- of Marine Fisheries, why not just update FRA 97 to It’s interesting that more legislators tle as the official saltwater reptile of North Carolina. give the Division and the Commission statutory direc- are talking about fisheries issues this CCA NC has used this opportunity to educate legisla- tion on how our fisheries should be managed? We pro- tors on the fact that North Carolina is the only state in posed simple revisions to FRA 97 that would change year and want the two sides to come the country that has a federal Incidental Take Permit the state’s current management standard from “maxi- that allows killing hundreds of sea turtles annually by mum exploitation” to one of “responsible exploitation” together and compromise. the large-mesh gill net fishery. given the public trust nature of coastal fisheries re- If legislators had a sincere interest in protecting sources. and celebrating loggerhead sea turtles they would do DEQ, didn’t respond to an email raising these con- The most desirable change would be to expressly more to protect them from being killed by large-mesh cerns. It’s very frustrating that DEQ is not willing to declare that North Carolina’s marine and estuarine gill nets. Similarly, House Bill 598 would recognize engage with us on our concerns. The “reform bill” ap- resources are a public trust resource belonging to all the bottlenose dolphin as the state marine mammal. pears to be in response to the MFC vote on striped bass citizens of the state and therefore it is state policy to It was filed by Reps. Bobby Hanig (Currituck, Dare, and the subsequent directive to the DMF director to conserve and protect public coastal fisheries resources Hyde, Pamlico) and Holly Grange (New Hanover) and order all gill nets out of the water during the closure for current and future generations. passed by the Wildlife Resources Committee without period. (See related story on page 1.) The second most important piece of legislation would dissent. Reps. Pat McElraft (Carteret, Jones), George Cleve- be the revision of the current definition of “sustainable Ironically, DMF Director Steve Murphey recently is- land (Onslow) and Deb Butler (Brunswick, New Ha- harvest” to reflect the nature of the resource and its sued a proclamation placing additional restrictions on nover) filed HB 860 in mid April as a companion bill ownership, and the resultant need to better conserve using gill nets in the Atlantic Ocean within 100 yards to SB 554. It will probably be dropped since the senate and protect coastal fish stocks. of the beach “to minimize interactions with bottlenose bill appears headed for passage. Third would be a legal enforcement mechanism to dolphin in accordance with the Bottlenose Dolphin Rep. Larry Yarborough filed House Bill 810, “Ma- ensure the current statutory prohibition against over- Take Reduction Plan”. rine Fisheries Reform,” the same day after the DEQ fishing is met. All legislators seem to join hands in their affection refused to accept any recommendations for improving Where the Commission determines that manage- for sea turtles and dolphin but turn a blind eye to the SB 554. CCA NC believes HB 810 provides the most ment measures under a plan have been insufficient damage to these beloved creatures caused by the con- critical response to DEQ’s proposed “fisheries reform” to end overfishing within two years, the Commission tinued use of gill nets in our state coastal waters. bill by proposing the adoption of the three primary shall have the authority to implement as temporary Both bills are benign in content and will likely pass legislative reforms for 2019 previously put forward by rules those measures recommended by the Division if they made the May 7 house cross over date. CCA NC. 10 CCA NC Spring 2019 Professional outdoorsman joins CCA NC

By Rip Woodin CCA NC Editor

Matthew Wallin, a professional out- doorsman with forestry, guiding and conservation experience, has joined the CCA NC staff as Eastern Regional Di- rector, announced David Sneed, execu- tive director of the conservation organi- zation. “I grew up in Virginia on the Chesa- peake Bay where at a young age I began to explore and learn what this water- shed had to offer,” Wallin said. “Fishing and hunting the Bay’s tributaries gave me a hands-on experience which in turn allowed me to gain knowledge about our coastal resources and the impacts we have on them.” After attending high school in a rural area on the Rappahannock River an hour east of Richmond, Wallin earned a BS de- gree in natural resource conservation and forestry from Virginia Tech in late 2016. “After graduation, I left Blacksburg and took a job in New Bern where I was a procurement forester with a timber company. I bought and sold timber all across Eastern N.C. and was able to ex- plore its fisheries and coastal resources,” Wallin continued. Matthew Wallin, right, hoists a giant silver salmon for a client he was guiding on an Alaskan river. This job required him to manage log- ging contractors, negotiate sales to mills and follow land management plans. to offer. we should be able to improve the resource region of the organization. In 2018, he ventured to Alaska where “I also learned about the problems for all stakeholders into the future.” “He is a true outdoorsman with the he was a fly fishing guide at the TikChik and issues with the state’s management He wanted the job with CCA NC be- right education and work history to join Narrows Lodge, an Orvis endorsed camp of our fisheries.” cause “I want our future generations CCA NC. He walks the talk,” Sneed con- on Bristol Bay. During his college sum- It is easy for anyone to see the poten- to have the opportunity to enjoy the re- cluded. mers, Wallin worked for an oyster farm, tial that North Carolina has when it source the way we have and hopefully in Wallin will live in New Bern where he state park, tree care company and yacht comes to its fisheries, Wallin continued. an improved state.” will have access to coastal CCA chapters club. During this time he gained a great “Our coastline is unlike any other and Sneed said CCA NC is lucky to have yet still have easy access to other parts appreciation for what N.C. fisheries had with a focus on pro resource management, Matthew Wallin take over the eastern of . DMF director orders ‘no gill net’ corridor to protect dolphins

North Carolina created a “no gill net” gill net use within 100 yards of the ocean with recommendations provided by a commercial gill nets continues to exceed corridor along the ocean surf zone in late surf zone to include large mesh gill nets. federal Bottlenose Dolphin Take Re- allowable levels for two North Carolina April to reduce bottlenose dolphin inter- The intent of prohibiting all gill net duction Team, the agency said. These stocks of dolphins under the Bottlenose actions, a news release from the N.C. use within 100 yards from shore in the recommendations were addressed in a Dolphin Take Reduction Plan. North Division of Marine Fisheries announced. Atlantic Ocean is to provide a safe corri- November 2018 letter from National Ma- Carolina estuarine stock dolphins are DMF Director Steve Murphey issued a dor along which bottlenose dolphins are rine Fisheries Service Southeast Region- known to spend significant time in the proclamation effective April 22 expand- known to travel. al Administrator Roy Crabtree. surf zone foraging and traversing the ing the current restriction on small mesh This no gill net corridor is in accord Crabtree wrote that by-catch from area, Crabtree wrote. Spring 2019 CCA NC 11 Angler raises irony of turtle legislation By Rip Woodin and I have suffered similarly in many ways CCA NC Editor since taking office,” she wrote. “I care deep- ly about our environment and have tried to Three coastal North Carolina House champion a whole host of environmentally representatives have introduced legis- forward thinking pieces of legislation all of lation that would glorify the loggerhead which have landed in the ash can of this sea turtle as the state’s saltwater reptile body. And so, I pledge not to give up, to but doesn’t mention the federal Incidental keep trying against the odds and I encour- Take Permit that allows commercial gill age you to continue the effort as well.” net fishermen to kill some turtles trapped Vernon wrote back to Butler that he in their nets. has been advocating for science based, re- The one-page bill sponsored by Reps. source first management practices for the Frank Iler (R-Brunswick), Carson Smith last 15 years. “When the Democrats held (R-Columbus) and Pat McElraft (R-Cart- the power in our legislature, Sen. Marc eret) notes that a loggerhead can grow to Basnight (D-Dare) wouldn’t give small four feet weighing 250 pound while living business owners with my conservation for 50 years. Each year the loggerhead will mindset the time of day much less an op- lay 100 eggs on southern N.C. beaches. portunity to create a fair governing N.C. Capt. Seth Vernon, a fly fishing and light Marine Fisheries Commission.” tackle guide in Wilmington, noted the iro- Fast-forward a decade to a Republi- ny of the legislation in a letter to a number can majority without any leadership to of representatives. restore the public “The irony that you trust resources on want to classify this our coast. “The fish- creature with state eries are in peril and symbolism while we are giving away being the only state our coastal tourism on the Atlantic coast to neighboring states to actively pay for a at an alarming rate. permit to knowingly I want to know what harm, harass and you’re going to do to kill endangered sea Photo by John Mauser promote a sustain- turtles at the hands able resource for our of the Southern flounder commercial gill coastal business and the county you rep- net fishery, a failed fisheries management resent?” plan, is bewildering,” he wrote. Rep. Butler promised to stay in contact While Vernon appreciates the senti- with him in the hope that the legislative ment of making the loggerhead sea turtle climate will change soon. the state saltwater reptile, it only gives In a related fisheries effort, Vernon said off the appearance of doing some good for a cross section of charter captains are seek- an animal widely admired. “Wouldn’t you ing support from major businesses like the each like to enact some real legislation to Blockade Runner hotel, Redix Store, Tex’s protect these amazing reptiles, their his- Tackle and others to “take the fight to the tory with our coast and the joy they bring legislature. Coastal communities exist on to all who are fortunate to get a glimpse of tourism but the management of our fisher- them in our waters?” he asked. ies is suffocating the recreational angler.” He pointed out that North Carolina is From N.C. 58 to the South Carolina line, the only state on the East Coast that still Vernon said the Southern flounder gill net allows gill nets inshore. In 2013, the state fishery only generates $140,000 in profit, a began paying over $1 million for Inciden- number that can be proven through DMF tal Take Permit No. 16230 that allows gill data. “We’re being held hostage by destruc- net fishermen to not only interact with but tive fishing gear for a profit of only $140,000. kill these endangered turtle species while We’re going to make a concerted push to get Photo by Rip Woodin fishing with destructive commercial gear. the gill nets removed. It’s just ludicrous Seth Vernon, a guide in the New Hanover County area, poles through Vernon said Rep. Deb Butler (D-New that it will take the collapse of the Southern flooded spartina grass, looking for tailing redfish. Vernon urges Hanover) was the only representative to flounder fishery before we get gill nets out of legislators to do more than honor sea turtles. He wants more protection answer his letter. “I sense your frustration the water. And we’re there,” he said. for all marine resources. 12 CCA NC Spring 2019 Dove hunts and fishing tournament scheduled A week-long fishing tournament, of the state and Shelby will be for all of opening day dove hunt and a fall oys- our folks in Charlotte, the Triad or any- ter roast are among the new summer where else in .” events CCA NC is planning for mem- Don’t worry about opening day being bers to have fun and learn about on-go- on a Monday this year, Neely contin- ing conservation efforts, said Joe Neely, ued. Eastern Regional Director. “Enjoy your Labor Day weekend An Inside/Out Fishing Tournament plans because we will hold these hunts will be held July 13-20 in the Wilm- on Opening Saturday so that everyone ington area and coastal waters from can make it.” Swansboro to the South Carolina state Both locations will feature first-rate line. morning dove hunts on fields that have The tournament will be a week long, been reserved for CCA. Food, drinks Saturday to Satur- and raffles are in- day, all catch and cluded. release tournament Neely said the and will feature hunts are wel- the iAngler app come for all ages so that will allow all bring children and entered fishermen make some lasting to photograph and memories. More in- submit their catch formation will be in real time, Neely forthcoming on each explained. location. Anglers can chase Although the red drum, flounder Charlotte banquet and striped bass in has been moved the Inside division from October to or go after Spanish March 2020, the mackerel in the Outside division, he Queen City chapter will be having an said. oyster roast at Sycamore Brewing in its “The money pots for the winners keep place for everyone in the area to enjoy a growing as we get more sponsors and good time in Charlotte. participants already itching to be a part “Our oyster roasts across the state are of this awesome event.” a lot of fun and a great way for people to CCA NC event schedule Mark your calendar and don’t miss show their support for CCA” Neely said. your chance to take it home. Entry will “The best part about them is all of the be $50 for CCA members, $75 for new leftover oyster shells are delivered back May 16: Triangle Chapter banquet in Market Hall at City Market, Raleigh members, and free for kids. More infor- to the coast where they are recycled to mation will come shortly as details are create new oyster beds and valuable finalized. habitat.” July 13-20: Inside/Out Fishing Tournament, two divisions, Morehead City to S.C. line If you would like to be a part of the Oyster roasts are a great way for peo- tournament call us at 919-781-3474 or ple to have fun and enjoy the best our email [email protected]. coast has to offer, he added. Sept. 7: 1st annual CCA NC dove hunts, Shelby and Dunn CCA’s 1st Annual Dove Hunt will be Final details and an exact date for held on Saturday of the opening weekend the roast will appear in CCA Tidelines at fields in Shelby and Dunn, Neely said. e-newsletters and on our social media Sept. 14: chapter banquet at The Boat House, Beaufort “As our membership continues to accounts. grow across the state, we are happy to If you are interested in being a part Fall 2019: Charlotte chapter oyster roast at Sycamore Brewing, Charlotte hold these dove hunts that will be con- of our Charlotte chapter committee and venient for all of our members across helping out with great events like this, North Carolina. call Charles Knight at 704-236-9101 or Nov. 7: Triad chapter banquet at the High Point Country Club, High Point Dunn will be host for the eastern half Joe Neely at 704-249-8196.