WILMINGTON, N.C. Anglers from all parts of the coast made their way up to Raleigh to protest overfishing in inshore waters. The demonstration in front of the state Department of Environmental Quality building highlights a long-standing dispute between commercial and recreational fishers.
What You Need to Know
Commercial fishers currently receive 70% of the flounder harvest, while recreational fishers get 30%
After research revealed that southern flounder populations were declining, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries made this decision.
Recreational fishers claim that commercial fishers use unsustainable fishing methods, which are not only continuing the decline in southern flounder populations but also other fish species.
Captain Allen Cain, an experienced angler, guides fishing trips along North Carolina’s coast. He started fishing in North Carolina less than 15 years ago and has noticed a growing problem.
Captain Allen Cain (left), and Captain Judson-Brock fishing together. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)
Cain explained that you will see a slight decline in the number or catch of flounder in most of the areas you fish. The worst thing about fishing is the fact that you will see gill nets along the shoreline. They block any recreational fisherman who swims into the area.
Gill nets can cause severe damage to fisheries. They are banned in every other state, except North Carolina.
Cain explained that a net is designed so that fish can swim into it. If they do, the net will catch around their backs. They’ll thrash and turn and then get trapped in that net, and most fish will die.
Captain Allen Cain (left), and Captain Judson-Brock fishing together. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)
The nets are spread over a large area so that anything in their path will be caught. This is not just for flounder Cain has seen alligators and sea turtles, as well as many other species of fish, that have been caught in the net.
This damage has not been done to Cain alone. Captain Judson Brock, a North Carolina native who has spent his entire life fishing, is now worried about the future of the waters that he loves and knows.
Brock said that I have a 2-year old son whose favorite toy is a fishing rod. He has another son on the way and I’m afraid that when he turns 18, there won’t be any fish for him to target. I don’t believe there won’t be fish in the water. However, it is getting harder and more difficult to catch these fish.
Now, the Division of Marine Fisheries has allocated the flounder harvest to the Marine Fisheries Commission. This is in order to combat the decline of the southern flounder population. Commercial fishers will now receive 70% of the harvest, while recreational fishermen will receive 30%.
This split is expected increase to 60/40 by 2025 and 50/50 in 2026.
In a statement to Spectrum News 1, Patricia Smith, communications director for Division of Marine Fisheries said that a change in the allocation of fisheries does not affect whether they are sustainable. It changes who removes fish from the population and not how many fish are removed.
DMF believes that regardless if the fish was caught by a commercial or recreational fisherman, the impact on the fish population is the same.
Recreational fishers say it’s more than the harvest. The allocation of the harvest was made in an effort to reduce overfishing. However, recreational fishers claim that commercial fishermen still use unsustainable and potentially dangerous gear like gill nets.
Let’s face it, all sides in the argument can agree that they want the fisheries to thrive.
Smith stated that the Division of Marine Fisheries is committed to sustainable estuarine and marine fisheries through science-based management. This is our responsibility, as a state agency. We take this responsibility very seriously.
Allocation aside, recreational fishers have many arguments against southern flounder management plan. This includes a decline of the economic benefits that recreation fishing brings the state through renting charters, guides, equipment, etc. as well as the fact there are very few commercial fishers compared to the number of recreational fishers.
After years of being ignored, Cain & Brock are hopeful that their voices will now be heard on Thursday.
Captain Allen Cain (left), Captain Judson Brock hope to be fishing long-term for flounder. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)
Brock said, “I will do my best to get the voice out of the fish to the people any way I can.”
Brock also stated that the state should consider our public comments and support for the fisheries. It’s not about the money, it’s about having a fishery capable of supporting itself year after year. People can also enjoy the outdoors and catch these fish.
Learn more about the Division of Marine Fisheries Southern flounder Management Here.
