Search Results for: North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 30, 2022

May 30, 2022   South Atlantic

Finally! An issue both the CCA and NCFA agree on. Do you believe in miracles? If not, you should. On May 25, at the meeting of the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission, David Sneed, Executive Director of the CCA NC, made the following statement during the public comment period. “On Southern Flounder, the recent recreational overages were the result of derby fishing brought about by insufficient management action from Amendment 2. Harvest and overage estimates that are provided by MRIP were never intended to be used to manage a fishery through a quota,,, Sound familiar? If you’re one of our regular readers it should. . >click to read<. To read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 11:51

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 23, 2022

May 23, 2022   South Atlantic
The NCFA urges everyone to offer comments on draft Amendment 2 to the Striped Bass FMP, to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission at their May 25-26 meeting, supporting lifting the prohibition on the use of gill nets in the upper Neuse and Pamlico Rivers. In 2019 the MFC, through an “emergency meeting” with no public comment allowed, voted to force former DMF Director Steve Murphey to issue a proclamation prohibiting the use of all gill nets above the Ferry lines in the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers. Prior to this emergency meeting the MFC had asked Director Murphey to issue the gill net ban, a request he declined, in the letter below, as it was not supported by science. . >click to read<. To read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<  17:28

Fisheries commission meeting set for Thursday, Friday in Beaufort – >click to read<

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 23, 2022 – 1

May 23, 2022  
The NCFA urges everyone to offer comments on draft Amendment 2 to the Striped Bass FMP, to the NC Marine Fisheries Commission at their May 25-26 meeting, supporting lifting the prohibition on the use of gill nets in the upper Neuse and Pamlico Rivers.
In 2019 the MFC, through an “emergency meeting” with no public comment allowed, voted to force former DMF Director Steve Murphey to issue a proclamation prohibiting the use of all gill nets above the Ferry lines in the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers. Prior to this emergency meeting the MFC had asked Director Murphey to issue the gill net ban, a request he declined, in the letter below, as it was not supported by science.
In response to the MFC’s actions DEQ Secretary Michael Regan issued the press release below condemning their actions. To our knowledge, this is the only time an acting Secretary has ever issued a press release publicly condemning any act of the Marine Fisheries Commission.
The below press release was issued in 2019
Release: IMMEDIATE
Contact: Megan S. Thorpe
Date: March 14, 2019
Phone: 919-618-0968
Secretary Regan’s Statement on Marine Fisheries
Commission’s Non-Emergency
RALEIGH — N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Michael S. Regan issued the following statement on the emergency meeting called by the Marine Fisheries Commission this week:
I am disappointed by the Marine Fisheries Commission calling an emergency meeting with only 48 hours notice for a non-emergency. The Commission used bad judgment in directing the Division of Marine Fisheries Director to take actions that contradict science and the recommendations of the division’s scientists. I certainly hope this is not a precedent we will see again from this Commission.
The statute empowering the Marine Fisheries Commission to direct issuance of gill net bans in certain areas does not authorize the Secretary or the Department discretion to
overturn such a directive.
nr-26-2019
Three years later, the only quantifiable impact of this net ban has been the negative impact to commercial fishermen and consumers. Amendment 2, to the Striped Bass FMP is the only opportunity, outside of a courtroom, to right this intolerable wrong. It is imperative that everyone voices their opposition to the continuation of this unnecessary net ban!
The CCA and likely some of the MFC members who support their agenda wish to see this net ban extended to close the entire Neuse and Pamlico Rivers to the use of all gill nets, with no scientific justification for doing so. If they were to succeed, how long will it be before they attempt to close all inside waters to gillnetting?
We strongly urge everyone to demand that the MFC lift these net bans and return to the gill net regulations which were in place prior to the 2019 prohibition.
For more information you can reach out to NCFA Executive Director, Glenn skinner.
252-646-7742
—
Glenn Skinner
Executive Director-
North Carolina Fisheries Association, Inc.
101 N. 5th Street
Morehead City NC 28557
252-646-7742
MEDIA ADVISORY: Marine Fisheries Commission to meet May 25-26 in Beaufort
MOREHEAD CITY – The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission will meet in-person May 25-26 at the Beaufort Hotel,
2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort. The meeting will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25 and at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 26.
The commission will hold in-person public comment sessions at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 and near the beginning of the meeting on Thursday, May 26. Public comment will not be taken through web conference.
The following information pertains to in-person public comment:
· Those who wish to speak may sign up at the hotel beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 25.
· To accommodate as many speakers as possible, the chair will limit each speaker to 3 minutes.
· Those making comments will be asked to speak only once, either Wednesday night or Thursday morning, but not during both public comment periods.
· Those who wish to submit handouts to the commission during a public comment period should bring at least 12 copies to the meeting.
The public may also submit written comments via the following methods:
· An online form accessible through the Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting webpage.
· Mail to May 2022 Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting Comments, P.O Box 769, Morehead City, N.C. 28557.
· Dropped off at the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Morehead City Headquarters Office at 3441 Arendell St., Morehead City.
Written comments must be received by 4 p.m. Monday, May 23.
The YouTube link will be posted on the Marine Fisheries Commission Meeting webpage. After the meeting, a recording will be posted online.
Agenda items include:
·        Final approval of Amendment 3 to the Southern Flounder Fishery Management Plan.
·        Final approval of the N.C. Fishery Management Plan for Interjurisdictional Fisheries Information Update.
·        Selection of preferred management for Amendment 2 to the Estuarine Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
·        Presentation on the 2022 Striped Mullet Stock Assessment Report.
WHO:
N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission
WHAT:
Quarterly Business Meeting
WHEN:
May 25 at 6 p.m.
May 26 at 9 a.m.
WHERE:
The Beaufort Hotel
2440 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort
PARKING:
Click Here for Aerial Photo of Free Event Parking Area
Valet Parking: $15.00
(Tell Valet You Are Attending Marine Fisheries Meeting)
LIVE STREAM:
Click here for links
Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 16, 2022

May 16, 2022   South Atlantic

NCWF…Sounds a lot like the CCA’s approach to messaging. Doesn’t it? A couple of weeks ago I had a call from a friend who is not a fisherman, recreational or commercial, but has taken an interest in fisheries management. He reached out to ask me about the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF), as he had seen them mentioned in several of our weekly newsletters but was having trouble finding their fisheries positions on the NCWF website. >click to read<. To read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 09:41

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 02, 2022

May 3, 2022   South Atlantic

The “Rule of Law” is the political philosophy that all citizens are accountable for the same laws. This philosophy helped fuel the American revolution and was a key principle considered, by our founding fathers, when drafting the U.S Constitution. The Rule of Law ensures, that in a true democracy, the powerful, wealthy, or majority can’t use the law to oppress or control the minority. When it comes to regulating our coastal fisheries both the government and our state seem to struggle with this relatively simple concept. Simply put, it doesn’t matter whether you fish for food, profit, or pleasure, your impacts are similar and therefore you must be treated similarly under the law! Perhaps it’s time for another revolution! >click to read< to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 18:43

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for April 25, 2022

April 25, 2022   South Atlantic

Is North Carolina allowing fishermen to circumvent the Endangered Species Act? On April 6, 2022, the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of North Carolina sent out an email with so much disinformation I can’t even begin to address it all in one article. The email contained many of the same half-truths and outright lies we’ve been exposing over the last few months but one, above all, really rubbed me the wrong way. The CCA claimed that the “use of gill nets continues in North Carolina waters because the state holds two permits on behalf of commercial fishermen that allow them to circumvent the Endangered Species Act protections and kill or harm endangered sea turtles and sturgeon.” Circumvent. Really? >click to read the WeeklyUpdate<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 08:58

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for April 11, 2022

April 11, 2022   South Atlantic

A recent study conducted by researchers at LSU shows that Southern Flounder Stocks have declined throughout their entire range from North Carolina to Texas. The study was triggered by dramatic declines in the number of Southern Flounder in Louisiana waters. In 2017, Louisiana’s recreational Southern Flounder harvest declined to a mere 124,000 pounds, down from a high of 624,000 pounds in 2013. The findings of the LSU study fly directly in the face of claims made by the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) of NC and the NC Wildlife Federation (NCWF), who suggests that decline of Southern Flounder is solely a NC issue caused by commercial fishing, specifically gillnetting. >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for April 04, 2022

April 4, 2022   South Atlantic

Over the last couple of months, many NC anglers have reached out to the NCFA seeking to get a better understanding of what’s really going on in the world of fisheries management here in North Carolina. That said, there have been several anglers who have questioned our assessment of the CCA’s true agenda, which in our opinion is to reduce or even eliminate harvest of wild fish stocks in both the commercial and recreational sectors.  I had an angler from Pamlico County tell me that the CCA had assured him that once the nets were gone recreational bag limits for Red Drum, Southern Flounder, and Speckled Trout would increase and nothing I write could convince him otherwise. This got me thinking that maybe he and other anglers would be more receptive to the truth if someone else wrote it. >click to read the attached article< 16:40

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for March 21, 2022

March 21, 2022   South Atlantic

Last week, on March 15,16, and 17th, the Northern Regional, Southern Regional, and Finfish Advisory Committees met to make recommendations, for the Marine Fisheries Commission to consider, on Amendment 2 to the Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan! There was very little public comment, about a half dozen each night, with the NCFA being the only fisheries group offering comments. We focused on a single issue, allowing the use of gillnets above the ferry lines in the Neuse and Pamlico Rivers, which the MFC chose to remove from the draft Amendment before allowing public or AC input. >click to read the update< 13:24

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for March 07, 2022

March 7, 2022   South Atlantic
Have you ever noticed how the CCA, like the NC Wildlife Federation, disagrees with everything the DMF/MFC says except for when they determine a fish stock is overfished? As soon as a stock assessment comes back as “overfished” they get downright giddy at the thought of reducing harvest in yet another fishery. Their giddiness is quickly followed by claims of commercial overfishing, mis-management, and “overfished for over 20 years”, with no mention of data gaps, research needs, or scientific uncertainty. I first noticed this back in 2009, when the speckled trout stock was deemed “overfished”. >click to read the update< 12:16
Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for February 21, 2022

February 21, 2022   South Atlantic

If you’ve sat through as many Marine fisheries commission and Advisory Committee meetings as I have, then you’ve certainly heard “we’ve failed to rebuild the Southern Flounder stock.” But is it true?  Continue reading at the update. >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 09:26

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for February 14, 2022

February 14, 2022   South Atlantic

In last weeks newsletter I mentioned a call I received from a local angler and a comment he made during our conversation. The gentleman seemed to shrug off the fact that the NC Wildlife Federation has been lying about Southern Flounder management and told me I couldn’t deny the fact that we’ve failed to rebuild the southern flounder stock or that if we had let them all spawn once we’d all get what we want, which is to harvest more fish. I took this statement as a personal challenge as I believe both claims are absurd and easy to dispute So, let’s give it a try! >click to read< 10:27

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for February 07, 2022

February 8, 2022   South Atlantic

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had quite a few calls regarding the information we’ve shared about the disinformation surrounding the management of Southern Flounder. After last week’s newsletter, I received a call from a gentleman who was obviously an avid supporter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and Coastal Conservation Association. The caller, a recreational angler, was concerned with my articles because he felt I was blaming anglers for “overfishing” the Sothern Flounder stock. Continue reading at the update. >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 08:50

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for February 07, 2022

February 8, 2022  
Over the last few weeks, I’ve had quite a few calls regarding the information we’ve shared about the disinformation surrounding the management of Southern Flounder. After last week’s newsletter, I received a call from a gentleman who was obviously an avid supporter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and Coastal Conservation Association. The caller, a recreational angler, was concerned with my articles because he felt I was blaming anglers for “overfishing” the Sothern Flounder stock. He was quick to make his point that commercial fishermen remove more flounder from the stock than do recreational anglers, which is true. I assured him, my intent was not to blame anyone but simply to expose the disinformation being spread, by the groups he supported, and encourage the public to question why these groups felt it was necessary to lie to them. I fully expected him to defend the Wildlife Federations lies, as the truth, but he didn’t.
Instead, he made the following statement.
“They may be lying, but you can’t deny the fact that we’ve failed to rebuild the Southern Flounder stock or that, if we had let them all spawn once we would all get what we want, which is to harvest more fish.”
Anyone who knows me, very well, knows where this is heading. I took his statement as a personal challenge and fully intend to challenge every word, but not this week. For now, I want to address something that’s been eating at me ever since our conversation last week. I was struck by how easily he dismissed their lies because he truly believed their motives were true. I’ve never been one, who believes the ends justify the means.
I personally believe, anything gained through greed or deceit is stolen, not won, and therefore worthless, but apparently there are some who don’t feel this way.
This baffles me for one simple reason.
If you are truly doing the right thing, there’s no need to lie as the truth will surely be on your side! The mere fact that someone feels it’s necessary to lie, in order to achieve their goals, should cause everyone to question their motives. If someone is truly, trying to do what’s best for all stakeholders, not just themselves, they don’t have to lie.
That said, I do believe the gentleman who called me wants what’s best for all involved, unfortunately the groups, he’s chose to support, do not. After hearing my thoughts on flounder management, let em spawn, fisheries legislation, and the like, I could tell he was questioning many of the beliefs he had prior to our conversation.
I was so encouraged, by the end of our discussion, that I’ve decided to commit to having similar discussions with any group who will have me. If you or your group are interested in hearing the other side of the story you can give me a call or email me at:
Cell 252-646-7742            Email: [email protected]
Glenn Skinner- NCFA Executive Director

UPDATE for 2.7.2022
GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
The NC Supreme Court ruled on Friday that the newly drawn districts by the General Assembly are not constitutional. The vote was 4-3 along partisan lines. The legislators will now need to convene and redraw Congressional, state Senate and House districts. The General Assembly will convene soon, probably next week, to begin to address the court’s ruling and take another look at the districts. The North Carolina primaries are currently slated for May. As noted last week, the GA voted to move the primaries to June but Governor Cooper vetoed the bill.
God bless,
Jerry

NCFA ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 28 (IN PERSON/AND VIA ZOOM)
11 AM- 2:00 PM
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Washington 2090 W 15th St,
Washington, NC 27889

IT’S IMPORTANT THAT ALL MEMBERS TRY TO ATTEND OR ASSIGN PROXIES TO ATTENDING MEMBERS, AS IT
TAKES A MINIMUM OF 50, EITHER IN ATTENDANCE OR BY PROXY, TO CONDUCT BUSINESS. THIS IS THE ONE
AND ONLY MEETING A YEAR WHERE ALL MEMBERS INCLUDING HALF PERCENTERS, CAN VOTE ON ISSUES AND
GIVE DIRECTION FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
EMAIL PROXIES TO: [email protected]

Zoom registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqceCrqjwuEtNbIoKwoCKkTTHeu93flSG7

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for January 31, 2022

January 31, 2022   South Atlantic

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been taking a close look at a few, of the many, false claims, regarding the management of the southern flounder fishery, made by the NC Wildlife Federation. This week we’ll be looking at one of the most audacious statements they’ve made to date. The Wildlife Federation claims that “Amendment 2 is the first known effort to effectively reduce harvest in the commercial southern flounder fishery in history. Continue reading at the update. >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 10:03

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for January 24, 2022

January 24, 2022   South Atlantic

I hope everyone took the time to read the “Saga of Southern Flounder” article, from the North Carolina Wildlife Federation. If not please click the link below and read it for yourself before continuing to read my comments. After reading the Wildlife Federations article, I’m sure you were shocked by their strong claims of (mis)” management” bias towards the commercial fishery, failed commercial management, and harsh recreational reductions.  Continue reading at the update. >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<  09:25

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for January 17, 2022

January 17, 2022   South Atlantic

The issue of Southern Flounder management, or mismanagement as some have claimed, has been a hot topic lately. Claims that commercial overharvest, imminent stock collapse, failed commercial harvest reductions, and inaction by the state are to blame for declining catches of Southern flounder are rampant. But are they true? If you asked the CCA or NC Wildlife Federation the answer would be yes but if you asked me, I’d say their claims are absurd and not supported, by the numbers. Continue reading at the update. >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 10:33

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for January10, 2022

January 10, 2022   South Atlantic

What the Wildlife Federation isn’t telling you about shrimp trawling in NC! Like the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), the North Carolina Wildlife Federation has very strong opinions about commercial fishing, especially the use of gill nets and shrimp trawls to harvest seafood. They consistently provide their perspective on these issues to the public, and as I pointed out last week, they specialize in playing it fast and loose with the facts. I’ll certainly be providing you with more examples of the deception in the coming weeks. (continues) >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 09:31

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for December 10, 2021

December 12, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 08:03

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for December 3, 2021

December 5, 2021   South Atlantic

Shocked or Not, You Should Be Disgusted! Prior to the November MFC meeting, when the draft Shrimp FMP would be voted on, the following post was made by ” Rick S ” on social media.,, Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<  09:43

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for November 5, 2021

November 6, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<  10:18

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for October 29, 2021

October 29, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<  17:07

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for October 15, 2021

October 17, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, including a synopsis of a one-day Capitol Hill visit by Jerry Schill. To read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 19:05

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for September 24, 2021

September 24, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 12:13

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for September 17, 2021

September 17, 2021   Mid Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<  08:48

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for August 20, 2021

August 21, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for June 04, 2021

June 5, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 20:46

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 21, 2021

May 22, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here< 09:33

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for May 14, 2021

May 15, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<11:50

Comment

North Carolina Fisheries Association Weekly Update for April 30, 2021

April 30, 2021   South Atlantic

Legislative updates, Bill updates, Calendar, >Click here to read the Weekly Update<, to read all the updates >click here<, for older updates listed as NCFA >click here<Congratulations!!! The North Carolina Fisheries Association would like to congratulate new N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries Director, Kathy Rawls. We look forward to working closely with Director Rawls in the future. Congratulations Kathy!!12:04

Comment
« Older posts
Newer posts »